FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New Hockey Franchise To Call Panthers IceDen Home
Coral Springs, FL – March 18, 2025 – Junior hockey is gaining momentum in South Florida as Coral Springs announces the launch of new USPHL Jr. Cats Premier and Elite teams for the 2025-2026 season. These teams will compete in the highly competitive Florida Division of the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL), with the goal of making a strong run at the national championship.
The Jr. Cats will call the IceDen in Coral Springs home. The IceDen is a premier facility known as the former practice venue for the NHL’s Florida Panthers. With a rich history of developing elite hockey talent, the IceDen provides an exceptional environment for player growth and competition at the junior hockey level.
The team is owned by Applesauce Hockey partners Ron Kinnear and Kevin Miller, who also field the USPHL team Bold City Battalion and are partners in the Florida Jr Blades. They bring extensive experience in hockey operations and a passion for player development. Their leadership and commitment to excellence will help establish a strong foundation for the new program.
“I am thrilled to announce that the USPHL Florida Division is now part of the Coral Springs hockey market,” said former NHL player Mark Kumpel, the USPHL Premier and Elite Director of Hockey Operations. “The Ice Den, with its first-class facilities, demonstrates a strong commitment to the growth and development of hockey in the area. With the proven leadership of Ron Kinnear and Kevin Miller, whose track record speaks for itself, I have no doubt this program will align with the passion and high standards of the Coral Springs Hockey Community.”
Players looking to earn a roster spot with the Coral Springs Jr Cats for the inaugural season are encouraged to submit their hockey resume to the coaching staff at
www.jrcats.hockey.
About The United States Premier Hockey League
Founded in 2012, the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) is comprised of over 150 teams, fielding more than 20,000 players aged 8-21 in more than 100 organizations across the North, South, Midwest, West, and Canada. Our Junior Divisions consist of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), a tuition-free junior hockey division and our Premier and Elite Divisions, all geared toward college and pro placement.Our youth and midget divisions (operated through the Tier 1 Hockey Federation) field full season 8U through 18U teams. The USPHL has sent over 8,000 players to all levels of college hockey all-time including over 4,200 into NCAA college hockey, with more than 550 advancing to NCAA Division I hockey. The USPHL has also had 18 players who played in the NCDC drafted by NHL teams.
Media Contact: Joshua Boyd
United States Premier Hockey League
