At a Glance
- Florida hosts two NHL outdoor games, drawing sold-out crowds.
- Panthers forward Brad Marchand praises fan support and the league’s decision to bring games to the Sunshine State.
- NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman highlights the impressive fan base and the impact on local youth hockey.
- Why it matters: Florida’s growing hockey culture is reshaping the sport’s national landscape.
Florida’s hockey scene has exploded, with the Panthers and Lightning topping the league and the NHL hosting two outdoor games that have energized fans and youth alike.
The Rise of Florida Hockey
Florida’s teams have finished atop the league four times in six seasons, cementing the state as a hockey hotspot. The outdoor games in Miami and Tampa are fueling that momentum. Fans now support teams regardless of their origin.
Brad Marchand said:
> “The amount of love that has grown for this game here is pretty incredible. You used to come down here and a lot of opposing teams would kind of take over the building. And now it just doesn’t matter where you go – the fan support is unbelievable, and this is just going to add to it. The two outdoor games that we play here, between here and Tampa, are just going to add more excitement, more love for the game.”
NHL’s Strategic Move
The NHL chose Florida for its outdoor games to showcase the sport and draw viewership. Gary Bettman praised the War Memorial practice facility and the fan turnout.
Gary Bettman said:
> “Just go to their practice facility and see what they’ve done to the War Memorial in Fort Lauderdale. It’s simply incredible. And the results speak for themselves. They have a great fan base down here in South Florida. Selling out this building was not an issue at all. We could have probably sold it out if it was twice as big.”
The league also gifted a synthetic rink to a Miami high school, giving 100 guests a chance to learn to skate on an outdoor rink that mimics real ice.
Mike Sullivan said:
> “Look at the two teams that are in Florida – Tampa and the Panthers. They’re two of the better teams in the league right now with the teams that they’ve assembled and put together. I think that can only help the influence down here in this region of the country. I can only imagine the next generation of young hockey players that will come out of southern Florida because of the impact that these teams and these individual players are having on the next generation.”
Key Takeaways
- Florida’s outdoor games are drawing sold-out crowds and boosting local hockey.
- The NHL’s investment in a synthetic rink supports youth development.
- Strong fan support and league endorsement are turning Florida into a hockey powerhouse.
Florida’s growing hockey culture is reshaping the sport’s national landscape, with the NHL and local teams leading the charge.
