Florida has become a hockey hotbed, and the Gulf Coast is at the center of the surge, powered by the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and the Florida Everblades’ record-setting run in Estero.What once felt improbable in a state known for beaches and palm trees is now a defining part of its sports identity. From sold-out crowds at Hertz Arena to championship banners hanging across South Florida, ice hockey has taken firm root in the Sunshine State.The Florida Everblades, winners of four Kelly Cups and three straight this decade, have turned Estero into one of the premier minor league hockey markets in the country. Just a few hours away, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have combined for multiple Stanley Cup titles over the past decade, cementing Florida as a powerhouse at the NHL level.The success on the ice is translating into growth off it. Youth and adult hockey participation across Florida has surged over the past decade, with rinks in Southwest Florida seeing packed leagues, waiting lists and growing demand for more ice time.Gulf Coast News takes a deeper look at hockey’s rise in Florida, from championship franchises to youth development programs, and how a sport once considered unlikely in the tropics is now thriving along the Gulf Coast. Florida Everblades success leads to large following Amid the warm weather, Kelly Cup championships are a prominent sight in Southwest Florida.”We’re the pinnacle of hockey in the United States, right, and in Canada! I mean, we’ve got two Stanley Cups and four Kelly Cups here,” Florida Everblades season ticket holder Mick Sheldrake said.The Everblades are the standard of the ECHL, with three straight Kelly Cups this decade and now in pursuit of their fourth in five seasons.With such talent and success, the result is some serious fan support and a few kids who might want to pick up a stick.”I feel like we’re a little bit of a central hub, we’re in between Florida and Tampa, and we’ve just been able to foster a great youth program here that’s just bled into the pro ranks,” Everblades head coach and general manager Brad Ralph said. “So, I think we’re all really fortunate to have this facility here but just the excitement, the energy that this sport brings to the area has been not only transforming hockey, but great for the community.””You’ve got a team that starts to win championship after championship after championship means they’re the hot ticket in town,” Everblades broadcaster Jake Maurice said. “You’ve got people that want to be here, they want to work here, they want to be a part of it, and the more you’re a part of it, the more you fall in love with the game as well.”Florida dominates the NHL over the past decadeOn Jan. 22, NHL President of Events & Content Steve Mayer addressed the media in front of a semi-constructed tent at Raymond James Stadium.There was concern as to whether an outdoor hockey game in Tampa Bay would pan out, but Mayer exuded a strong sense of confidence in the NHL’s plan.Mayer said, “What we’re doing is essentially building a tent that will go from goal line to goal line and underneath that tent, we’re building the ice.”Build it, and they will come (they being a climate-controlled tent to bring outdoor hockey to South Florida).For decades, these kinds of events have always taken place where there is winter weather, but in 2026, South Florida decided it was time to break the ice, with both of their championship teams hosting events.As cool as that sounds, a climate-controlled tent is a process with a lot of moving parts, so why go through all the trouble?Because over the past decade, South Florida has dominated professional hockey.Mayer said, “These are two of the biggest and most successful franchises in the NHL. They’ve won Stanley Cups. We needed to do a game here, I mean, this is a hotbed of hockey now.”Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk said, “I think having the outdoor games is really cool as well, along with Tampa winning championships however many years ago and us winning the last two, that itself grows the game of hockey.”Winning has its perks, and for this area, that includes two very passionate fanbases.Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said, “If you asked me 20 years ago if hockey in Florida was going to make it, I’m not so sure I would have thought that it was going to happen, and now you’ve got two organizations and a state that are thriving with the sport, and for me that’s the win.”With how much success these teams have found, you can expect a lot more of these events for years to come.Southwest Florida adult leagues on the riseWhat do you think a hockey player looks like? Are they tall? In their 20s? A boy?When you live in a hockey town, a hockey player looks like anyone who picks up a stick.Lady Everblades player Karen Herman said, “Hockey is in your blood, it runs through your veins, you just can’t stop.”Young or old, boy or girl, hockey runs deep along the Gulf Coast.If you make your way to the Hertz community rinks or Fort Myers Skatium, you’ll probably find some adult recreational leagues taking place.Adult rec league player Dominic Zuelch said, “It’s good hockey. You’re playing hockey in the sunshine. You walk outside, and it’s sunny, and it’s negative 30 degrees in Michigan, so it’s nice to step outside and be in good weather.”Adult rec league player Scott Redfern said, “I’m 68, and because I’ve played so many years competitively, that’s helped me physically.”These are just a few of Southwest Florida’s own that are hitting the ice.Hertz Arena told Gulf Coast News sports reporter Bradley Shimel that more than 950 adults are currently active players in recreational leagues, a number that has nearly quadrupled over the past decade.Frank Scarpaci Jr., the Florida Eels president, said, “There are well over 15,000-20,000 players who are playing in the state of Florida, outside of junior hockey.”It’s getting so popular that it’s becoming a problem.Lady Everblades player Ronne Apicella said, “In this area, they’re going to need more rinks. There’s just way too much interest, and with all the kids that are getting into it, everybody wants to play hockey nowadays.”Perhaps it’s a good problem in that it shows how much of a hockey community the Gulf Coast has become.Youth participation grows exponentiallyThere’s a lot to love about hockey.It’s not your typical sport; it requires grit, athleticism, and withstanding big hits.Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it’s grown on a lot of kids in this area.Florida Eels junior Hockey President Frank Scarpaci Jr. said, “When I started in Florida, 21 years ago, with our junior program, we had one team and then it has grown considerably. Next year, each of our teams will have an elevated division, which is the NCDC.”The Florida Eels are not the only youth program experiencing massive growth.According to USA Hockey, youth player participation in Florida has increased by 73% over the past decade. Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said, “It gets to be cool, and then as soon as the kids think it’s cool, hockey takes off.”MORE: Lee County youth hockey player balances diabetes and his love for the gameWith such an interest in the sport, locals are utilizing training facilities across Southwest Florida, giving them access to the same level of training as the pros.The Hockey Lab Bonita Springs Owner Brett Schaffer said, “In a perfect world, I’d love to see this game expand to countries that didn’t even know hockey existed one day. You know, it’s our job as hockey players, hockey coaches, and people that are passionate about hockey to grow that game as well.”Thanks to the facilities available to these youth hockey players, the game is deeply rooted here for years to come.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
FORT MYERS, Fla. —
Florida has become a hockey hotbed, and the Gulf Coast is at the center of the surge, powered by the Florida Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships and the Florida Everblades’ record-setting run in Estero.
What once felt improbable in a state known for beaches and palm trees is now a defining part of its sports identity. From sold-out crowds at Hertz Arena to championship banners hanging across South Florida, ice hockey has taken firm root in the Sunshine State.
The Florida Everblades, winners of four Kelly Cups and three straight this decade, have turned Estero into one of the premier minor league hockey markets in the country. Just a few hours away, the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have combined for multiple Stanley Cup titles over the past decade, cementing Florida as a powerhouse at the NHL level.
The success on the ice is translating into growth off it. Youth and adult hockey participation across Florida has surged over the past decade, with rinks in Southwest Florida seeing packed leagues, waiting lists and growing demand for more ice time.
Gulf Coast News takes a deeper look at hockey’s rise in Florida, from championship franchises to youth development programs, and how a sport once considered unlikely in the tropics is now thriving along the Gulf Coast.
Florida Everblades success leads to large following
Amid the warm weather, Kelly Cup championships are a prominent sight in Southwest Florida.
“We’re the pinnacle of hockey in the United States, right, and in Canada! I mean, we’ve got two Stanley Cups and four Kelly Cups here,” Florida Everblades season ticket holder Mick Sheldrake said.
The Everblades are the standard of the ECHL, with three straight Kelly Cups this decade and now in pursuit of their fourth in five seasons.
With such talent and success, the result is some serious fan support and a few kids who might want to pick up a stick.
Icon Sportswire
Florida Everblades forward Blake Winiecki (41) and Jacksonville Icemen forward Wacey Rabbit (20) during the game between the Florida Everblades and the Jacksonville Icemen at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fl. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“I feel like we’re a little bit of a central hub, we’re in between Florida and Tampa, and we’ve just been able to foster a great youth program here that’s just bled into the pro ranks,” Everblades head coach and general manager Brad Ralph said. “So, I think we’re all really fortunate to have this facility here but just the excitement, the energy that this sport brings to the area has been not only transforming hockey, but great for the community.”
“You’ve got a team that starts to win championship after championship after championship means they’re the hot ticket in town,” Everblades broadcaster Jake Maurice said. “You’ve got people that want to be here, they want to work here, they want to be a part of it, and the more you’re a part of it, the more you fall in love with the game as well.”
Florida dominates the NHL over the past decade
On Jan. 22, NHL President of Events & Content Steve Mayer addressed the media in front of a semi-constructed tent at Raymond James Stadium.
There was concern as to whether an outdoor hockey game in Tampa Bay would pan out, but Mayer exuded a strong sense of confidence in the NHL’s plan.
Mayer said, “What we’re doing is essentially building a tent that will go from goal line to goal line and underneath that tent, we’re building the ice.”
Build it, and they will come (they being a climate-controlled tent to bring outdoor hockey to South Florida).
For decades, these kinds of events have always taken place where there is winter weather, but in 2026, South Florida decided it was time to break the ice, with both of their championship teams hosting events.
As cool as that sounds, a climate-controlled tent is a process with a lot of moving parts, so why go through all the trouble?
Because over the past decade, South Florida has dominated professional hockey.
Mayer said, “These are two of the biggest and most successful franchises in the NHL. They’ve won Stanley Cups. We needed to do a game here, I mean, this is a hotbed of hockey now.”
Mark LoMoglio
Oliver Bjorkstrand #22 of the Tampa Bay Lightning against the Florida Panthers at Benchmark International Arena on February 5, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)
Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk said, “I think having the outdoor games is really cool as well, along with Tampa winning championships however many years ago and us winning the last two, that itself grows the game of hockey.”
Winning has its perks, and for this area, that includes two very passionate fanbases.
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper said, “If you asked me 20 years ago if hockey in Florida was going to make it, I’m not so sure I would have thought that it was going to happen, and now you’ve got two organizations and a state that are thriving with the sport, and for me that’s the win.”
With how much success these teams have found, you can expect a lot more of these events for years to come.
Southwest Florida adult leagues on the rise
What do you think a hockey player looks like? Are they tall? In their 20s? A boy?
When you live in a hockey town, a hockey player looks like anyone who picks up a stick.
Lady Everblades player Karen Herman said, “Hockey is in your blood, it runs through your veins, you just can’t stop.”
Young or old, boy or girl, hockey runs deep along the Gulf Coast.
If you make your way to the Hertz community rinks or Fort Myers Skatium, you’ll probably find some adult recreational leagues taking place.
Adult rec league player Dominic Zuelch said, “It’s good hockey. You’re playing hockey in the sunshine. You walk outside, and it’s sunny, and it’s negative 30 degrees in Michigan, so it’s nice to step outside and be in good weather.”
shironosov
Referee holds puck over ice with two ameture hockey players ready.
Adult rec league player Scott Redfern said, “I’m 68, and because I’ve played so many years competitively, that’s helped me physically.”
These are just a few of Southwest Florida’s own that are hitting the ice.
Hertz Arena told Gulf Coast News sports reporter Bradley Shimel that more than 950 adults are currently active players in recreational leagues, a number that has nearly quadrupled over the past decade.
Frank Scarpaci Jr., the Florida Eels president, said, “There are well over 15,000-20,000 players who are playing in the state of Florida, outside of junior hockey.”
It’s getting so popular that it’s becoming a problem.
Lady Everblades player Ronne Apicella said, “In this area, they’re going to need more rinks. There’s just way too much interest, and with all the kids that are getting into it, everybody wants to play hockey nowadays.”
Perhaps it’s a good problem in that it shows how much of a hockey community the Gulf Coast has become.
Youth participation grows exponentially
There’s a lot to love about hockey.
It’s not your typical sport; it requires grit, athleticism, and withstanding big hits.
Sure, it’s not for everyone, but it’s grown on a lot of kids in this area.
Florida Eels junior Hockey President Frank Scarpaci Jr. said, “When I started in Florida, 21 years ago, with our junior program, we had one team and then it has grown considerably. Next year, each of our teams will have an elevated division, which is the NCDC.”
The Florida Eels are not the only youth program experiencing massive growth.
According to USA Hockey, youth player participation in Florida has increased by 73% over the past decade.
Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice said, “It gets to be cool, and then as soon as the kids think it’s cool, hockey takes off.”
MORE: Lee County youth hockey player balances diabetes and his love for the game
With such an interest in the sport, locals are utilizing training facilities across Southwest Florida, giving them access to the same level of training as the pros.
The Hockey Lab Bonita Springs Owner Brett Schaffer said, “In a perfect world, I’d love to see this game expand to countries that didn’t even know hockey existed one day. You know, it’s our job as hockey players, hockey coaches, and people that are passionate about hockey to grow that game as well.”
Thanks to the facilities available to these youth hockey players, the game is deeply rooted here for years to come.
Mark LoMoglio
Youth teams from the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Build the Thunder program play ball hockey during the NHL All-Star Beach Bash as part of the 2018 Honda NHL All Star Weekend on January 27, 2018 at Pier 60 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark LoMoglio/NHLI via Getty Images)
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.