MIAMI, Fla. (CBS12) — It’s not easy to impress a team that has won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships, but practice day at the 2026 Winter Classic at LoanDepot Park did just that.
The NHL’s southernmost Winter Classic ever brought hockey to South Florida in a spectacular way—mini ice rinks in Miami colors, set amid a half-sand, half-snow winter oasis where frozen pond magic meets tropical flair.
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Players described the experience as nostalgic, a reminder of how many of them started playing outdoors as kids.
Practicing on NHL-quality ice in the heat of South Florida is no small feat, but the rink held up beautifully, with snow machines and expert temperature controls transforming the Marlins’ usual baseball field into a winter wonderland.
Beyond the spectacle, the game carries meaning as a regular season matchup, with both the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers looking to kick off 2026 with momentum. Fans can expect a festive, unique atmosphere, complete with the kind of ice conditions that make a true Winter Classic memorable.