Pee Dee IceCats Name Gary Graham as First Coach and GM

News Summary

The Pee Dee IceCats, a new professional hockey team in Florence, SC, have appointed Gary Graham as their first coach and general manager. His extensive coaching experience includes successful tenures across various leagues and championship victories. As they prepare for their debut season in the Federal Prospects Hockey League, Graham is expected to build a competitive team that reflects the community’s hardworking spirit. The team’s inaugural roster assembly is set for this summer, with the season kicking off in October.

Florence, SC – The Pee Dee IceCats, a new professional hockey team, have announced the appointment of Gary Graham as their inaugural coach and general manager during a press conference held on Monday. This news marks a significant milestone for the team as they prepare to enter the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), an independent league that operates outside of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Gary Graham brings a wealth of experience to the IceCats, having coached across multiple leagues including the ECHL, SPHL, USHL, VHL, and EIHL. His extensive background includes over 300 career wins and several championship titles. Notably, he led the SPHL Pensacola Flyers to a President’s Cup victory as head coach and has also secured two championships as an assistant coach in both the USHL and CHL.

Team owner Parker Moskal expressed his confidence in Graham’s abilities, citing his knowledge of the game, competitive intensity, and strong character as key reasons for his selection. The IceCats are set to be a competitive force, emphasizing community engagement and a commitment to high standards in both performance and conduct.

As the head coach and general manager, Graham will oversee not only coaching duties on the ice but also responsibilities in scouting, recruiting, and player development. He has stated his determination to build a team that reflects the hardworking and gritty spirit of the Pee Dee region, aiming for a winning reputation and respect within the league.

The IceCats will begin assembling their inaugural roster over the coming summer months, with the team’s season set to kick off in October. Moskal acknowledged that Graham’s influence will extend beyond just one season, helping to define the team’s culture and identity for years to come.

The IceCats’ name selection was part of a community naming contest that saw approximately 17,500 votes cast. The name “Pee Dee IceCats” pays homage to the Pee Dee Pride, a previous hockey team that garnered local support in the region. The community’s keen interest in reviving hockey in Florence has been evident, with advocacy efforts growing through social media platforms.

Home games for the IceCats will take place at the Florence Center, a venue that has historical ties to hockey in the region, having previously hosted both the Pee Dee Pride and the Pee Dee Cyclones. The movement to reintroduce hockey to Florence has been fueled by strong community engagement and enthusiasm for the sport, indicating a promising outlook for the team as they prepare for their debut season.

As the IceCats set their sights on the upcoming season, they aim not just to compete but to thrive as a community-centered team, with a vision directed towards excellence both on and off the ice.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Pee Dee IceCats Announced as New Hockey Franchise in Florence
Pee Dee Ice Cats Reveal New Team Identity Before Season Start

Additional Resources

• WMBF News: Pee Dee Ice Cats Name Inaugural Head Coach and General Manager
• WMBF News: New Florence Pro Hockey Team Name Announcement Date Set
• WBTW: Professional Hockey Team Coming to Florence Center
• Wikipedia: Hockey
• SCNow: Pee Dee Ice Cats Coaching Announcement
• Google Search: Pee Dee Ice Cats
• Post and Courier: Pee Dee Hockey Team Updates
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey

Author: HERE Florence