Florence, October 10, 2025
News Summary
The Pee Dee IceCats are set to launch their first hockey season on October 10, hosting the Columbus River Dragons at the revamped Florence Center. This event marks the return of professional hockey to Florence since 2005, with many fans excited to witness live games once again. The facility has undergone significant renovations to enhance the game-day experience. With over 800 season tickets sold and an expected turnout of around 5,000 fans, the IceCats aim to re-establish themselves in the local sports scene while engaging the community through various promotional nights throughout the season.
Florence
The Pee Dee IceCats are set to launch their inaugural hockey season on October 10, hosting the Columbus River Dragons at the Florence Center. This event marks the return of professional hockey to Florence for the first time since 2005, rejuvenating local interest in the sport and the region’s sports entertainment scene.
Significant renovations have been made to the Florence Center in preparation for the season opener, including new ice, improved seating, enhanced lighting, and upgraded sound systems. These upgrades aim to create a thrilling experience for fans as they return to live sporting events after years without professional hockey in the area.
Already, the team has sold over 800 season tickets and is anticipating a turnout of around 5,000 fans for the opening weekend games. The enthusiasm for local sports is palpable, with many fans eager to witness live hockey once again.
The IceCats are part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League, which has a reputation for spirited play and engaging entertainment. IceCats forward Trevor Lord noted that the game’s fast-paced nature provides ample opportunities for excitement, including fights and hitting, establishing a vibrant atmosphere that fans can look forward to.
Head Coach Gary Graham expressed anticipation for the upcoming season, acknowledging the challenges of quickly building team chemistry but remaining optimistic about delivering an entertaining experience for fans. The combination of team dynamics and the venue’s improvements is expected to contribute to a memorable season.
The IceCats are committed to community involvement and engagement. Team owner Parker Moskal highlighted this involvement when discussing the naming of the team, which reflects the legacy of the former Pee Dee Pride franchise. The naming process garnered significant participation, with over 17,500 votes
The IceCats have organized special promotional nights throughout the season, including Military Appreciation Night, Medical Appreciation Night, Halloween Night, and Hometown Heroes Night to celebrate and engage local communities.
A public Blue-White Scrimmage event is scheduled for October 4 at the Florence Center, providing a sneak peek of the team’s formation before the season officially begins. As part of the lead-up to the launch, season ticket distribution is currently in progress, with single-game tickets going on sale on September 26 at 10 a.m..
The full season schedule has been released, featuring most home games on Friday and Saturday nights. This strategic scheduling aims to attract fans during peak attendance times, enhancing both sports culture and community participation in Florence.
As excitement builds for the opening night, the IceCats are poised to not only claim their place in Florence’s sports landscape once more but also to foster a rich fanbase and create a thrilling game-night atmosphere.
FAQs
When does the Pee Dee IceCats inaugural season start?
The inaugural season starts on October 10, hosting the Columbus River Dragons.
Where will the IceCats play their home games?
The IceCats will play their home games at the Florence Center.
How many fans is the IceCats expecting for the opening weekend?
The IceCats expect around 5,000 fans for their opening weekend games.
What league do the IceCats belong to?
The IceCats are part of the Federal Prospects Hockey League.
When will individual game tickets go on sale?
Single-game tickets will go on sale on September 26 at 10 a.m.
Key Features
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Inaugural Game Date | October 10 |
First Opponent | Columbus River Dragons |
Home Venue | Florence Center |
Season Tickets Sold | Over 800 |
Expected Opening Weekend Attendance | 5,000 fans |
League | Federal Prospects Hockey League |
Promotion Nights | Military, Medical, Halloween, Hometown Heroes |
Single-Game Tickets Sale Date | September 26 at 10 a.m. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
- WBTW: Florence IceCats Hockey Team to Drop Puck on Inaugural Season in October
- WMBF: Pee Dee IceCats Release Schedule for Team’s First Season
- WPDE: Excitement Building for Pee Dee IceCats Tickets to go on Sale September 26
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- Wikipedia: Professional 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.