While all the attention is on the Florida Panthers as they compete for the Stanley Cup, local hockey teams are also benefiting from the growing enthusiasm. The Florida Atlantic University Ice Hockey Club was founded nearly 23 years ago, and general manager Scott Grosky said the club remains a passionate program. “The players are passionate about hockey,” he said. “They could be on the moon, but they're going to find a place to skate.” Interest in the sport continues to grow. Stay up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25 “It doesn't matter if a local team has big success because it's an opportunity to get attention and bring attention to the club,” Grosky said. The FAU Owls play their games at the Florida Panthers Ice Den in Coral Springs. They are affiliated with the Florida Panthers. Head coach Christian Long said they've had overwhelming support. “I've skated with the FAU kids and some of the Panthers players have jumped on the ice,” Long said. “So there's kind of a cohesiveness in the hockey community in South Florida.” Ice hockey impact: 'The number one growing sport in our county right now': Ice hockey impacts Palm Beach County The team has qualified for the AAU national tournament in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons. Current player DJ Randle said it's been a great experience. He's seeing more parents getting interested in the sport. “Absolutely. We have a lot of kids in youth programs, especially here in Florida, because of the success the Panthers and the Lightning have,” Randle said. They all hope the game of ice hockey continues to thrive. “Like I said, the hockey community is very tight-knit and it's growing every year. We really play in paradise,” Long said. Open tryouts will be held at the beginning of the fall semester. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
While all eyes are on the Florida Panthers as they compete for the Stanley Cup, local hockey teams are also benefiting from the growing enthusiasm.
The Florida Atlantic University Ice Hockey Club started about 23 years ago, but general manager Scott Grosky said the club remains a passionate program.
“These players are so passionate about hockey,” he said, “they'd go to the moon and find a place to skate.”
Interest in the sport continues to grow.
Keep up to date: The latest headlines and weather from WPBF 25
“It's not a bad thing for a local team to have great success as it brings attention and brings visibility to our club,” Grosky said.
The FAU Owls will play at the Florida Panther Ice Den in Coral Springs.
They are affiliated with the Florida Panthers.
Head coach Christian Long said the support has been overwhelming.
“I've skated with kids from FAU and the Panthers players have jumped on the ice,” Long said, “so there's kind of a tight-knit nature of the South Florida hockey community.”
Ice Hockey Influence: 'The fastest growing sport in our county right now': Ice hockey impacts Palm Beach County
The team has qualified to compete in the AAU national tournament in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, and current player DJ Randle said it was a great experience.
He's noticed more parents becoming interested in the sport.
“Absolutely, especially here in Florida with the success of the Panthers and Lightning, we're seeing more people coming into our youth programs,” Randle said.
They all want the sport of ice hockey to continue to thrive.
“Like I said, the hockey community is very tight-knit and it's growing every year. We're really playing in paradise,” Long said.
Open tryouts will be held at the beginning of the fall semester.
Follow us on social media: Facebook | twitter | Instagram | Tick tock | Youtube
