Pee Dee IceCats
The Pee Dee IceCats is a professional hockey team based in Florence, South Carolina, that competes in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL). With a rich history rooted in the local community, the team is a revival of the region’s previous hockey traditions, paying homage to the Pee Dee Pride and other local teams. The IceCats were established with a focus on community engagement, high standards of performance, and fostering a strong team culture. The team plays its home games at the Florence Center, a venue historically linked to hockey in the area. Under the leadership of inaugural coach and general manager Gary Graham, the IceCats aims to build a competitive, respected, and community-centered team, emphasizing development and local support as they prepare for their first season scheduled to start in October.
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: 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.
