News Summary
A new professional hockey team is set to debut in the Pee Dee region, with its official name set to be revealed on May 5. Fans participated in a naming contest, and the winner will receive prizes including season tickets. The team, owned by former player Parker Moskal, will join the Federal Prospects Hockey League and aims to attract over 6,000 fans each game. Community excitement is palpable as this marks the return of professional hockey after nearly 20 years.
Florence, SC – A new professional hockey team is set to make its debut in the Pee Dee region, with the big reveal of its official name scheduled for May 5 at 3:00 p.m. Fans have been eagerly participating in a naming contest for the team, currently referred to as the Pee Dee Pro Hockey Team, allowing them to take part in defining the team’s identity.
The winner of the naming contest will receive an exciting package that includes a jersey, two season tickets for the upcoming season, and the chance to participate in both the first puck drop and the first pre-game speech of the season. This community engagement has generated significant buzz and excitement among local hockey fans.
Parker Moskal, the team’s owner and a former professional hockey player, confirmed that the team will join the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) and begin its inaugural season in October. The FPHL currently features 14 teams organized into two conferences and is gaining popularity, along with a rapidly growing fanbase.
The Florence Center, where the new team will be based, has a history of hosting professional hockey. It was home to the Pee Dee Pride from 1997 to 2004, a team that initially saw strong ticket sales but ultimately faced challenges that led to its folding after just three seasons. Local investors made a previous attempt to revive professional hockey in 2003, but this effort did not last long.
Current General Manager of the Florence Center, Rex Berman, brings valuable experience in establishing successful hockey teams in other cities. This expertise is crucial for reintroducing hockey to the Pee Dee region, which has not had a professional team for nearly 20 years. The community’s interest in the return of hockey is palpable, as demonstrated by active engagement on social media and strong ticket sales.
With season tickets already in high demand, there are expectations for more than 6,000 fans attending games throughout the upcoming season. This indicates a robust support base for the new team and reflects the community’s eagerness to embrace professional hockey once again.
The recruitment of players for this new hockey team will be conducted through established connections in both North America and Europe, looking to attract talented individuals to represent the Pee Dee region. The return of professional hockey is anticipated to spark excitement and bring a new level of entertainment to locals.
The announcement of the new hockey team comes on the heels of the Florence Center’s recent decision to terminate its deal with an arena football team, creating a prime opportunity for hockey’s resurgence in the area. As the May 5 reveal date approaches, the anticipation and interest in the team’s name and identity continue to build among residents.
In summary, the new professional hockey team in Florence aims to engage the community through a naming contest and will officially announce its name on May 5. With a strong emphasis on fan involvement and seasoned management, the Pee Dee region is set to welcome hockey back after nearly two decades, with hopes of re-establishing a vibrant sports culture at the Florence Center.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Professional Hockey Team Returns to Florence for 2025-2026 Season
Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Florence Pro Hockey Team Name Announcement Date Set
- WPDE: Florence Hockey Team Pee Dee New Name Announcement
- Post and Courier: Federal Prospects Hockey League in Florence
- WBTW: Professional Hockey Team Coming to Florence Center
- SCNow: Hockey is Returning to Florence
- Wikipedia: Hockey
- Google Search: Florence Pro Hockey team
- Google Scholar: Professional Hockey
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- Google News: Florence Hockey Team
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.
