When you think of Florida, hockey is probably not the first sport that comes to mind. The Sunshine State is known for its beaches, palm trees, and year-round warm weather, not frozen ponds and ice rinks. Yet, over the past few decades, Florida has quietly become a breeding ground for top hockey talent, producing elite players who are making waves in the NHL and beyond.
But how does a state where temperatures rarely dip below 60 degrees manage to develop world-class hockey players? The answer lies in expanding youth programs, increased NHL influence, strong developmental systems, and a passionate community.
The Rise of Hockey in Florida
The NHL’s Influence: Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning
One of the biggest reasons for the growth of hockey in Florida is the presence of two NHL franchises: the Florida Panthers (based in Sunrise, near Fort Lauderdale) and the Tampa Bay Lightning. These teams have played a crucial role in popularizing the sport across the state.
The Lightning, in particular, have had a major impact. Since their Stanley Cup victories in 2004, 2020, and 2021, youth hockey participation has exploded in the Tampa Bay area. The team’s commitment to grassroots hockey, including free equipment programs and school partnerships, has introduced thousands of kids to the game.
Similarly, the Florida Panthers have focused on hockey development in South Florida, hosting clinics, learn-to-skate programs, and youth leagues to ensure that young athletes have opportunities to get involved in the sport.
The Role of Transplants and Northern Influence
Florida’s population has grown dramatically over the last few decades, with many residents relocating from northern states such as New York, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Minnesota—all of which have strong hockey traditions.
Families moving south often bring their love for the sport with them, ensuring that their kids continue playing hockey despite being in a warm-weather state. Many former hockey players and coaches from northern states have settled in Florida, contributing to youth coaching and skill development programs.
How Florida Develops Elite Hockey Talent
Year-Round Training Opportunities
One of Florida’s biggest advantages in developing hockey players is its ability to offer year-round training. While northern states rely on seasonal ice time and outdoor rinks that are only available for a few months, Florida players have access to ice rinks all year long.
Indoor facilities in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville provide consistent ice time, allowing players to train without seasonal interruptions. Additionally, many players supplement their on-ice training with off-ice skill development, including roller hockey, dryland conditioning, and strength training.
High-Quality Youth Programs and Travel Teams
Florida has built an impressive youth hockey system over the past few decades, with organizations such as:
- Florida Alliance – One of the state’s premier travel hockey programs, competing in top tournaments across the U.S.
- Tampa Scorpions – A strong youth development program that has produced multiple NHL prospects.
- Palm Beach Hawks & Florida Junior Blades – Organizations that provide young players with opportunities to compete at a high level while developing fundamental skills.
These programs emphasize elite coaching, skill development, and competition—key factors in helping players reach higher levels of the game.
Roller Hockey as a Development Tool
One unique advantage Florida players have is their access to roller hockey, which serves as an excellent developmental tool for young athletes. Many professional players, including T.J. Oshie and Patrick Kane, have credited roller hockey for helping them develop their stickhandling, skating, and hockey IQ.
Since outdoor ice isn’t an option, many Florida kids start with roller hockey before transitioning to ice hockey. The fast-paced nature of roller hockey forces players to think quickly, improve their puck control, and develop creative playmaking skills, all of which translate well to the ice.
Notable NHL Players from Florida
Despite its warm climate, Florida has produced some top-tier NHL talent. Some of the most notable players include:
Jakob Chychrun (Defenseman – Ottawa Senators)
Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
Drafted: 16th overall, 2016 NHL Draft (Arizona Coyotes)
Jakob Chychrun is perhaps the most well-known NHL player to come out of Florida. Born in Boca Raton, Jakob grew up playing in Florida’s youth hockey programs before making his way to the NHL. His hockey pedigree runs deep—his father, Jeff Chychrun, played in the NHL during the 1980s and 1990s.
Youth Development in Florida:
- Jakob began his hockey journey with the Junior Everblades, a youth team based in Estero, Florida.
- He trained at rinks across South Florida, where his natural talent and work ethic quickly made him a standout.
Path to the NHL:
- At age 13, Chychrun moved to Toronto to play in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), further honing his skills against elite competition.
- He then starred for the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), where his strong two-way play and physicality earned him a reputation as a top draft prospect.
- Drafted 16th overall by the Arizona Coyotes in 2016, Chychrun quickly became a key player on their blue line.
NHL Career Highlights:
- Known for his powerful shot, strong defensive play, and puck-moving ability, Chychrun has emerged as a top-pairing defenseman.
- In the 2020–2021 season, he led all NHL defensemen with 18 goals, a testament to his offensive skill.
- In 2023, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he continues to play a pivotal role.
Jakob Chychrun’s success highlights how Florida’s youth programs can develop players capable of competing at the highest level.
Shayne Gostisbehere (Defenseman – Detroit Red Wings)
Hometown: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Drafted: 78th overall, 2012 NHL Draft (Philadelphia Flyers)
Shayne “Ghost” Gostisbehere, known for his slick skating and offensive skills, is another NHL star who got his start in Florida. Born in Pembroke Pines, he grew up playing roller hockey before transitioning to ice hockey—a common path for players from warm-weather states.
Youth Development in Florida:
- Gostisbehere played for the Junior Panthers program, where he first developed his passion for the game.
- His grandparents, who were originally from Quebec, introduced him to hockey and supported his early development.
Path to the NHL:
- Gostisbehere attended South Kent School in Connecticut, followed by the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s Prep School in Minnesota, known for producing hockey greats like Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews.
- He played collegiate hockey at Union College, where he helped lead his team to their first NCAA championship in 2014.
- His performance in the championship game earned him the nickname “Ghost” for his elusive skating and playmaking abilities.
NHL Career Highlights:
- Drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2012, Gostisbehere burst onto the scene during his rookie season in 2015–2016, scoring 17 goals and earning a Calder Trophy nomination for Rookie of the Year.
- He became the fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach a 15-game point streak during his rookie campaign.
- Gostisbehere has since played for the Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes, and now the Detroit Red Wings, continuing to make an impact with his offensive skills and power-play prowess.
Shayne Gostisbehere’s success proves that even players from non-traditional hockey states like Florida can reach the highest levels of the sport.
Mason Marchment (Forward – Dallas Stars)
Hometown: Uxbridge, Ontario (Florida Development)
Undrafted Free Agent
While Mason Marchment was born in Ontario, his hockey career truly blossomed during his time with the Florida Panthers organization. Marchment’s path to the NHL was anything but conventional. Unlike many players who are high draft picks, Marchment was an undrafted free agent who had to fight for every opportunity.
Path to the NHL:
- Marchment began his career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for teams like the Erie Otters and the Mississauga Steelheads, but he was never selected in the NHL draft.
- He signed with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), the minor-league affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he developed into a physical power forward with a knack for scoring goals.
Breakthrough with the Florida Panthers:
- In 2020, Marchment was traded to the Florida Panthers, where he found his stride.
- During the 2021–2022 NHL season, he scored a career-high 47 points (18 goals, 29 assists) in just 54 games, emerging as a key player for the Panthers.
- His breakout performance with the Panthers earned him a lucrative contract with the Dallas Stars, where he continues to be a dominant presence on the ice.
Why His Florida Connection Matters:
- Marchment’s rise from a gritty, undrafted player to a top-six NHL forward is a testament to Florida’s player development system, which gave him the platform to showcase his talent.
Other Notable Florida Hockey Players to Watch:
- Chase Priskie (Defenseman – Rochester Americans, AHL): Born in Pembroke Pines, Priskie played college hockey at Quinnipiac University and became the first Florida-born player to sign with the Florida Panthers.
- Quinn Carpenter (Prospect): An up-and-coming star from Tampa, Carpenter is making waves in junior hockey and could be part of the next wave of NHL players from Florida.
Overcoming Challenges in Florida Hockey Development
Ice Time and Rink Availability
One of the biggest hurdles for hockey players in Florida is limited rink availability. Unlike states in the North, where ice rinks are common, Florida has a smaller number of facilities, making it harder for players to get ice time.
To combat this, many young players travel extensively to compete in elite tournaments and gain exposure to higher levels of competition.
The Cost of Playing Hockey
Hockey is an expensive sport, and in Florida, where rinks are not as common, the costs can be even higher. Equipment, travel expenses, and ice time all add up, making it difficult for some families to afford.
Fortunately, organizations like the Tampa Bay Lightning’s “Equip the Thunder” Program and the Florida Panthers’ Youth Hockey Initiatives help provide equipment and access to the sport for underprivileged kids.
Competing with Other Popular Sports
Unlike traditional hockey states where the sport dominates, Florida’s young athletes have numerous options, including football, soccer, baseball, and basketball. This means hockey has to compete for attention and participation.
However, the increasing success of the Lightning and Panthers, combined with more youth development programs, is helping hockey gain ground.
The Future of Florida Hockey
The future of hockey in Florida looks brighter than ever. With:
- More NHL success from the Lightning and Panthers
- Increasing youth participation and high-level travel programs
- Better coaching and year-round training opportunities
Florida is proving that warm-weather states can produce top hockey talent. As more young players rise through the ranks, expect to see even more NHL stars coming from the Sunshine State in the years to come.
Whether you’re a young hockey player in Florida, a parent looking to get your child involved in the sport, or simply a hockey fan, one thing is clear—hockey in Florida is here to stay.
