Pee Dee IceCats Announce Ownership Change and Inaugural Season Plans

Florence, South Carolina, October 23, 2025

News Summary

The Pee Dee IceCats have announced a significant ownership change, confirming they are not for sale and are focused on their inaugural season in the FPHL. With the first player signed, community interest is growing as season tickets become available.

Florence, South Carolina – The Pee Dee IceCats have announced a significant change in ownership, as Parker Moskal will no longer be part of the team moving forward. The remaining ownership team disclosed this decision on Wednesday, emphasizing that it is in the best interest of the players, fans, and the long-term success of professional hockey in the area.

The IceCats have confirmed that they are not for sale and will not undergo any further ownership or operational changes. The franchise is dedicated to serving the Florence community, with its inaugural season scheduled to begin in October as part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL).

In a promising start for the franchise, power forward Kevin Szabad has signed on as the first player for the team and is optimistic about the upcoming season and the prospect of large crowds at the Florence Center. Public enthusiasm was evident during the press conference announcing the new franchise, which attracted over 100 attendees.

It is noteworthy that Florence has not hosted minor league professional hockey in nearly 20 years. The new IceCats team aims to fill that gap and revive local interest in the sport. Presently, the FPHL comprises 14 teams, divided into the Continental and Empire conferences, with the majority based in southern regions of the United States. The league’s Commissioner, Don Kirnan, highlighted a burgeoning fanbase, predicting that attendance could exceed 900,000 this year and reach over a million in the following season.

Rex Berman, General Manager of the Florence Center, has long been an advocate for the return of professional hockey to the city since taking his role 1.5 years ago, demonstrating the surrounding community’s eagerness to reestablish the sport’s presence. Local officials, including Florence Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes, also expressed their excitement regarding this return.

Season tickets for the Pee Dee IceCats are now available at the Florence Center ticket office, and interest is expected to soar as the October start date approaches. The franchise’s establishment is drawing on a historical context, referencing the original Pee Dee Pride team that played in Florence from 1997 until 2004 before relocating to Myrtle Beach. Following that, the Pee Dee Cyclones also played at the Florence Center from 2005 to 2007 as the first expansion team of the Southern Professional Hockey League.

The announcement of this new hockey franchise emerged shortly after the termination of an agreement with an arena football team that was intended to play at the Florence Center. The local arena had been working with Moskal’s organization for approximately six or seven months leading up to this transition, signifying the strategic planning involved in welcoming hockey back to Florence.

In summary, the Pee Dee IceCats are gearing up for an exciting inaugural season of hockey in Florence, marking a return to the sport that local fans have long anticipated. With a commitment to the community and a promising lineup of players, the IceCats have set the foundation for what may be a successful future.

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Additional Resources

• WBTW: Pee Dee IceCats sever ties with co-owner
• WMBF: Pee Dee IceCats majority owner no longer with team
• Post and Courier: Federal Prospects Hockey League news
• WMBF: New professional hockey team coming to Florence
• Wikipedia: Pee Dee IceCats

Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE 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.