News Summary
Florence is thrilled to announce the return of professional hockey as the Pee Dee Pro Hockey team prepares to debut in the Federal Prospects Hockey League starting in October 2025. Local officials, including the Mayor, celebrated the occasion, highlighting community engagement and support. The Florence Center, where the Pee Dee Pride previously played, is set to reignite the excitement of hockey. With season tickets already in high demand and future community initiatives planned, this marks a new chapter for sports in Florence.
Exciting Hockey News for Florence!
Florence is buzzing with excitement as the city prepares to welcome a professional hockey team back to the Florence Center starting with the 2025-2026 season. The team, currently referred to as the “Pee Dee Pro Hockey team,” will be making its debut in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) beginning this October. This marks a thrilling return for hockey enthusiasts, as the Florence Center has not hosted a hockey team since the Pee Dee Pride graced the ice from 1997 to 2005.
A Promising Launch
On April 16, 2025, local officials, including the Florence Mayor and Florence County Council Chairman, gathered for a news conference that marked the return of the beloved sport. There was a palpable sense of optimism and community engagement, with officials expressing their enthusiasm for having hockey back in Florence. This decision, rooted in community spirit, aims to reignite the flame of the past, when the Pee Dee Pride drew large crowds but eventually faced tough times, leading to its demise after three seasons.
Community Connection
Team owner Parker Moskal looks forward to embedding the team into the local community fabric. He’s making it clear that they are committed to not just playing hockey, but to becoming an integral part of Florence life. With talk of initiatives to engage with fans and local organizations, the aim is to ensure the team thrives this time around. The previous hockey experience in Florence illustrates the ups and downs of professional sports, but the community feels this time will be different.
Mackie Adams, a local resident and former mascot for one of the previous teams, is excited to share this new experience with his daughter. The hope is that this new team can create lasting memories for families and hockey fans alike. Community members have already rallied support through platforms like the “Bring Hockey Back to Florence” Facebook page, which has amassed over 2,000 followers, clearly demonstrating a desire for the return of hockey in the region.
Looking Forward
The energy surrounding the announcement was palpable, with many fans attending the press conference in Pee Dee Pride jerseys, showcasing their nostalgic spirit and unwavering support for the sport. The Florence Center’s General Manager is also optimistic, bringing experience from launching successful hockey franchises in other cities. He believes the new team’s robust research and backing will lead to a thriving future.
Adding to the excitement is the news that a team naming contest will be launched, giving fans a chance to submit their ideas for an official team name. This interactive initiative ensures the community remains a focal point, even in the early stages of the team’s establishment.
Season Tickets in High Demand
If you’re already itching to get in on the action, you might want to act fast! Season tickets for the new Pee Dee Pro Hockey team are flying off the shelves, indicating that fans are eager to witness the thrilling games once again. The FPHL has also experienced significant growth, expecting to surpass 900,000 fans in attendance during the upcoming season. What an exciting time to be a hockey fan in Florence!
Recently signed player Kevin Szabad has already committed to the team, and the management team is utilizing connections in North America and Europe to gather a talented roster. With dreams of creating a new chapter for sports in the Pee Dee region, the Pee Dee Pro Hockey team promises thrilling nights of action, community engagement, and a whole lot of fun.
As the countdown to October 2025 begins, the city of Florence is ready to embrace its hockey heritage once again. With all the community support and the passionate dedication of the new team’s management, the goal is clear: to make hockey a mainstay in Florence for years to come.
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Additional Resources
- WBTW News: Professional Hockey Team Coming to Florence Center
- Wikipedia: Hockey
- WPDE News: Florence Hockey Team Update
- Google Search: Professional Hockey Florence
- WMBF News: Officials Announce New Professional Hockey Team
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
- Post and Courier: Federal Prospects Hockey League Team in Florence
- Google News: Florence Hockey Team
