News Summary
The newly formed Pee Dee Ice Cats will unveil their primary logo and jersey set, marking the return of professional hockey to Florence. The event coincides with a pre-order program for custom jerseys, reflecting strong community interest in the team. Fans are excited as the Ice Cats prepare for their debut season this October, symbolizing a revitalization of local hockey culture and community connection.
Florence, SC – The Pee Dee Ice Cats, a newly established professional hockey team, are set to unveil their primary logo on Friday. This highly anticipated event will not only showcase the team’s logo but also present the full jersey set that players will wear during the upcoming inaugural season, marking the return of professional hockey to Florence for the first time since 2005.
Parker Moskal, the team owner, previously introduced the Ice Cats name and alternate logo during a live-streamed event, generating enthusiasm among local fans. The Ice Cats, a part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, emerged from a fan-driven naming contest that attracted significant local participation. The winning name, “Ice Cats,” was proposed by local resident Eric Powell, who wanted to honor the legacy of the former Pee Dee Pride hockey team. As recognition for his contribution, Powell will receive jerseys, season tickets, and special experiences, including the opportunity to participate in the first puck drop of the season.
The unveiling of the team’s logo and jersey set will coincide with the launch of a pre-order program for custom jerseys. Although a specific date for the pre-orders has yet to be announced, fans are eager to secure their personalized items and showcase their support for the team. This initiative is expected to deepen community engagement and excitement as the Ice Cats prepare for their debut this October.
The formation of the Pee Dee Ice Cats follows a renewed interest in professional hockey in the Florence area, evident in the popularity of the “Bring Hockey Back to Florence” Facebook group. The group has grown significantly, amassing almost 3,000 followers and acting as a catalyst for support in bringing back the beloved sport to the region. Surveys conducted through the group indicated strong community interest in hockey, reinforcing the decision to establish the new team.
The team’s name not only aims to honor local hockey history but also emphasizes qualities such as strength, courage, and pride—values relevant to the team’s identity and mission. Moskal covered the overwhelming response to the naming contest, which garnered over 17,500 votes, highlighting the local enthusiasm for the Ice Cats and professional hockey returning to the area.
The Pee Dee Ice Cats will play their home games at the Florence Center, a venue poised to host the vibrant and action-packed atmosphere that hockey games are known for. The center’s General Manager, Rex Berman, has indicated a readiness to accommodate fans and create an engaging environment for spectators as the Ice Cats take the ice for the first time.
In addition to the logo and jersey reveal, the organization plans to focus on building its community ties and fan base through innovative social media strategies aimed at marketing the team and involving local supporters in its development. This fresh approach signifies a commitment to growing local interest and fostering a robust hockey culture in Florence.
As the Ice Cats prepare to hit the ice in October, they symbolize not just the return of a sport but a unifying force for the community that rallied for its revival. The upcoming unveiling event promises to bring excitement and anticipation as fans prepare to embark on this new chapter in Florence’s sports history.
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News: Pee Dee Ice Cats Logo Reveal
- Wikipedia: Hockey
- SC Now: Pee Dee Ice Cats Announcement
- Google Search: Pee Dee Ice Cats
- Post and Courier: Pee Dee Hockey Social Media
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- WPDE: Florence Hockey Team Name
- Google News: Professional Hockey Florence
