Tampa Hosts NHL Stadium Series, Showcasing Florida's Hockey Growth

The Lightning-Bruins outdoor game caps a historic month for hockey in the Sunshine State.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 11:15pm

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The NHL's Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins in Tampa is the latest example of Florida's emergence as a hockey hotbed. Youth participation in the sport has surged across the state, with a 35% increase in the Miami area and nearly doubling in Tampa over the past few years. The game will feature several players born in Florida, a stark contrast to just a decade ago when there were none. The growth is credited to the success of the Lightning and Panthers, as well as increased investment in rinks and youth development programs throughout the state.

Why it matters

The Stadium Series game in Tampa highlights how Florida has transformed into a thriving hockey market, with the sport's popularity and participation levels soaring, especially among youth. This growth reflects the broader impact of the Lightning and Panthers' championship success and the state's investment in hockey infrastructure.

The details

In the past seven years, 10 ball hockey rinks have been built in the greater Tampa area, including one donated by the Lightning and NHL as part of the 2018 All-Star Game legacy project. Youth hockey participation has surged, with a 35% increase in the Miami area and nearly doubling in Tampa over the past few years. There are now almost a dozen players from Florida skating in the NHL this season, a stark contrast to just a decade ago when there were none.

  • In 2020-21, there were just over 450,000 registered hockey players in the United States.
  • That number grew by almost 125,000 in 2024-25, with most of the increases coming from those 10 and under.
  • In 1991-92, there were no NHL players born in Florida.

The players

John Vanbiesbrouck

A former NHL goaltender who has praised the growth of youth hockey in Florida.

Victor Hedman

The captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has seen the sport's popularity surge in the community.

Jon Cooper

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who has witnessed the proliferation of hockey rinks and increased fan interest in the sport across Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Hockey down there in general has just grown so much. It's cool to see.”

— Shayne Gostisbehere, Defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes (NHL.com)

“I love this community. It's an honor to represent this community as the captain of this team. You get to see the growth up close. All the things the organization has accomplished, and it has allowed us to go into different areas and get young kids excited about hockey and interested in playing hockey. Playing in a Stadium Series is going to be another big accomplishment for this organization and Tampa Bay.”

— Victor Hedman, Captain, Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL.com)

What’s next

The NHL Stadium Series game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Boston Bruins will take place on February 26, 2026 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.

The takeaway

Florida's transformation into a thriving hockey market, driven by the success of the Lightning and Panthers, as well as increased investment in youth development and infrastructure, is a testament to the sport's growing popularity in the Sunshine State. The Stadium Series game in Tampa serves as a celebration of this remarkable hockey renaissance.