Florence, October 11, 2025
News Summary
The Pee Dee IceCats are set to kick off their first hockey season in Florence with a home opener against the Columbus River Dragons. Fans are invited to a night filled with giveaways and festivities, marking the return of professional hockey to the Pee Dee region after a long hiatus. Tickets will be available for purchase both online and at the venue’s box office, leading up to what promises to be a historic event for the local sports scene.
Pee Dee, South Carolina
The Pee Dee IceCats are primed to make history as they launch their inaugural hockey season in Florence with a highly anticipated home opener against the Columbus River Dragons on October 10, 2025. This marks the return of professional hockey to the Pee Dee region after nearly two decades.
The first game of the season is set for 7:15 p.m. at the Florence Center, where fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere with giveaways and pregame festivities leading up to the puck drop. The Florence Center’s box office opens at 2:00 p.m. for ticket sales, and gates will be accessible starting at 6:15 p.m. The first 2,500 attendees will receive a limited-edition IceCats poker chip, a gesture sponsored by Pepsi.
Fans can acquire tickets in person at the box office or online through peedeeprohockey.com, with single game tickets going on sale on September 26 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will also become visible on Ticketmaster from September 24 at noon.
Season Overview
The IceCats will feature a regular season comprising 26 home games and an equal number of away games. Key matchups in the home schedule include:
- Thanksgiving Eve game against the Blue Ridge Bobcats on November 26
- New Year’s Eve matchup with the Danbury Hat Tricks on December 31
- Valentine’s Day game against the Carolina Thunderbirds on February 14
- Home finale against the Carolina Thunderbirds on April 4
Most home games will take place on Fridays or Saturdays, starting at 7:15 p.m., with two Sunday games scheduled for 3:15 p.m. on February 15 and March 15. The season will also include themed nights such as Military Appreciation Night and Halloween Night.
Team Structure and Competition
The IceCats will compete in the 14-team Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), specifically within the Continental Division, which includes teams like the Biloxi Breakers and the Carolina Thunderbirds. The Empire Division features teams like the Binghampton Black Bears and the Danbury Hat Tricks.
Gary Graham will serve as both head coach and general manager of the IceCats. With extensive coaching experience across multiple leagues, including the ECHL and SPHL, Graham boasts over 300 career wins.
Fan Engagement and Naming Contest
The IceCats’ name was determined through a fan voting process that garnered 17,500 votes. Eric Powell, the contest winner, will receive a team jersey, season tickets, and other rewards. While the primary logo has yet to be disclosed, the alternate logo has been unveiled to the public.
Upcoming Events
In anticipation of the season, a public Blue-White Scrimmage is scheduled for October 4 at 2:00 p.m. at the Florence Center, allowing fans a sneak preview of the team in action.
Summary
The Pee Dee IceCats are set to energize the local sports scene with their upcoming hockey season. By fostering fan involvement through events, giveaways, and themed games, the IceCats aim to cultivate a thriving hockey culture in the Pee Dee region.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Inaugural Game Date | October 10, 2025 |
| Opponent | Columbus River Dragons |
| Location | Florence Center |
| Home Games | 26 |
| Away Games | 26 |
| Notable Events | Thanksgiving Eve, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day games |
| Head Coach | Gary Graham |
FAQ Section
When is the Pee Dee IceCats’ home opener?
The home opener is scheduled for October 10, 2025, against the Columbus River Dragons.
Where can tickets be purchased?
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Florence Center’s box office or online at peedeeprohockey.com.
Who is the head coach of the IceCats?
The head coach and general manager of the IceCats is Gary Graham.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Pee Dee IceCats Inaugurate Hockey Season with Competitive Match
Pee Dee IceCats Kick Off Inaugural Hockey Season
Florence Celebrates Arrival of the Pee Dee IceCats
Pee Dee IceCats Launch Inaugural Hockey Season
Scheffler Leads The Open Championship as Local Teams Compete
Florence Post 1 Achieves Narrow Victory Over Flamingos
Pee Dee IceCats Name Gary Graham as First Coach and GM
Pee Dee IceCats Announced as New Hockey Franchise in Florence
Pee Dee Ice Cats Reveal New Team Identity Before Season Start
Additional Resources
- WPDE News: IceCats Return
- WMBF News: Team Name Announcement
- MSN: IceCats Media Day Postponed
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- WBTW News: IceCats to Drop Puck
- Google Search: Professional Hockey in Florence SC
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
