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Outdoor hockey in Florida? The National Hockey League says it is up for the challenge.
The NHL announced Wednesday that it will host its first outdoor games in the Sunshine State.
The league will feature two matchups next year, one as part of the Winter Classic, followed by a Stadium Series game.
The first game will feature the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at LoanDepot Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Miami Marlins, on Jan. 2, 2026.
And one month later, the NHL will do it all over again in Tampa, as the Tampa Bay Lightning host the Boston Bruins at Raymond James Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The NHL will play two outdoor hockey games in Florida in 2026
But why host a winter sport outdoors in a warm-weather state?
“Stanley Cups, strings of sellouts and the exponential growth of youth and high school hockey throughout the state have demonstrated…
