Panthers Launch Girls Travel Hockey Programs, Hire Rob Granato to Lead Teams

The Florida Panthers aim to grow the sport and provide more opportunities for girls in the region.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 1:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a girls' hockey game, with the players and the rink broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant colors.The Panthers' new girls travel hockey programs aim to provide more opportunities for young female players to develop and compete in the sport locally.Sunrise Today

The Florida Panthers have announced plans to launch new girls travel hockey programs, with the goal of expanding participation and providing a pathway for young female players in the area. As part of this initiative, the team has hired Rob Granato, brother of women's hockey legend Cammi Granato, to oversee the new girls teams as well as the organization's existing boys youth programs.

Why it matters

The launch of the girls travel hockey programs aligns with the recent success of the U.S. women's national hockey team, which swept the Olympic gold medals in men's, sled, and women's events at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. It also reflects the rapid growth of youth hockey in Florida, with the state seeing a 144.5% increase in registered players over the past two decades.

The details

The new girls travel hockey programs will be based out of the Panthers' current and former practice facilities, providing local players the opportunity to continue their development without having to travel long distances. The team has hired Rob Granato, who has a long-standing relationship with Panthers GM Bill Zito, to serve as the youth travel hockey director and oversee both the boys and girls programs.

  • The Panthers unveiled the plans for the new girls travel hockey programs on April 14, 2026.
  • The programs are set to begin play later this year.

The players

Bill Zito

General manager and president of hockey operations for the Florida Panthers.

Rob Granato

The newly hired youth travel hockey director for the Florida Panthers, who will oversee both the boys and girls programs.

Cammi Granato

Women's hockey legend and Rob Granato's sister.

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What they’re saying

“If you look at hockey, it has grown pretty much everywhere. There are girls that played here (and) they've had to leave the area if they want to continue their path. Now we want to make sure they've got an opportunity here, in our buildings, to stay in their own beds, not travel far to play other teams. And there's enough players now.”

— Rob Granato, Youth Travel Hockey Director, Florida Panthers

“Actually, the perfect time probably would have been 15 years ago. But now we have the chance.”

— Bill Zito, General Manager and President of Hockey Operations, Florida Panthers

What’s next

The Panthers plan to officially launch the new girls travel hockey programs later this year, with Rob Granato overseeing the teams and their development.

The takeaway

The Panthers' investment in girls travel hockey programs reflects the growing popularity of the sport in Florida and the organization's commitment to providing more opportunities for young female players to develop and compete at a high level without having to leave the area.