Pee Dee IceCats Announced as New Hockey Franchise in Florence

Enthusiastic fans gather to celebrate the arrival of the Pee Dee IceCats as Florence's new hockey team.

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News Summary

The Pee Dee IceCats have been announced as Florence, South Carolina’s new FPHL franchise, set to kick off their season at the Florence Center. Team owner Parker Moskal expressed excitement about professional hockey returning to the city, which has seen strong local support. The naming process involved significant community engagement, culminating in the selection of ‘IceCats.’ Fans are eager for the upcoming season and local officials have shown enthusiasm for revitalizing the region’s sports culture.

Florence, S.C. – The Pee Dee IceCats have been officially announced as the new Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) franchise in Florence, South Carolina. The announcement came during a press conference at the Florence Center, attended by over 200 enthusiastic fans and community members. The IceCats are set to begin their inaugural season in 2025-2026, with all home games to be held at the Florence Center.

Team owner Parker Moskal, who is also the managing partner of the Monroe, Louisiana, Moccasins, expressed his excitement about the return of professional hockey to Florence. This move comes as the city seeks to rejuvenate its sports scene after the recent termination of its deal with the arena football team, the South Carolina Ravens. With this franchise, local fans will once again have the opportunity to enjoy a professional hockey experience.

The naming process for the team engaged the community significantly, with fans casting a total of 17,500 votes to select the IceCats as their team’s name. This selection honors the legacy of the former Pee Dee Pride hockey team that was well-loved among local supporters. The winner of the naming contest, identified as Eric Powell, will receive season tickets, an official team jersey, and the chance to participate in the ceremonial first puck drop and a pre-game speech.

In conjunction with the name announcement, the IceCats introduced their alternate logo, while the primary logo is still pending release. The initial player signing has also been completed, with power forward Kevin Szabad becoming the first member of the Pee Dee IceCats. The team is set to compete in the Continental Conference of the FPHL, which currently boasts a total of 14 competing teams.

The history of hockey in Florence is notable, with the Florence Center previously hosting several minor league teams, including the Pee Dee Pride and Pee Dee Cyclones. The return of a professional hockey team reflects the community’s enthusiasm for the sport, as demonstrated by the “Bring Hockey Back to Florence” Facebook page which has accumulated over 2,000 followers. Local officials, including Florence Mayor Lethonia “Peaches” Barnes and Florence County Council Chairman William Schofield, conveyed their excitement during the announcement event, signaling strong local support for the IceCats.

Season tickets for the Pee Dee IceCats are currently available for purchase at the Florence Center ticket office, further indicating the growing anticipation among fans. The FPHL operates independently of the National Hockey League (NHL) but has shown significant growth in recent years, with projections estimating over 1 million fans will attend FPHL games next season.

The introduction of the Pee Dee IceCats not only promises to bring professional hockey back to Florence but also aims to foster community engagement and excitement around sports in the region. As the IceCats prepare for their debut season, the returning passion for hockey in the city highlights Florence’s commitment to revitalizing its sports culture.