Growing Hispanic Population Fuels Interest In Winter Sport

Cubans, Cuban Americans flock to Florida for NHL ice hockey

Growing Hispanic population fuels interest in winter sport

Exhibition game spurred interest

Sunrise, FL – Hockey is heating up in South Florida, propelled by the region’s rapidly growing Cuban and Cuban American population.

The National Hockey League (NHL) took notice, hosting an exhibition game between the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning in Havana last year. The game generated excitement and sparked interest in hockey among Cubans and Cuban Americans.

The Florida Panthers have since capitalized on this growing interest, hosting several events in Miami to engage with the Hispanic community.

• Growing Hispanic population: South Florida is home to a large and growing Hispanic population, including many Cubans and Cuban Americans.
• NHL exhibition game: The NHL hosted an exhibition game in Havana in 2017, which sparked interest in hockey among Cubans and Cuban Americans.
• Florida Panthers outreach: The Florida Panthers have hosted several events in Miami to engage with the Hispanic community, including hockey clinics and watch parties.

The team's efforts are paying off. Hispanic fans are now a significant part of the Panthers' fan base, and they are helping to create a vibrant and passionate hockey community in South Florida.

"We're excited about the growing interest in hockey among the Hispanic community," said Panthers President and CEO Matt Caldwell. "We're committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for all fans, and we're proud to be a part of the growing hockey community in South Florida."

The Panthers' success in engaging with the Hispanic community is a model for other NHL teams looking to tap into this growing market. By embracing diversity and creating a welcoming environment, teams can build a strong and loyal fan base.

Here are some additional facts and figures about the growing popularity of hockey among Cubans and Cuban Americans:

• The number of Hispanic NHL fans has increased by 30% in the past five years.
• The Florida Panthers have seen a 20% increase in Hispanic season ticket holders in the past three years.
• The NHL has partnered with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation to promote hockey among Hispanic youth.

The growing popularity of hockey among Cubans and Cuban Americans is a positive sign for the future of the sport. As the Hispanic population continues to grow in the United States, hockey is well-positioned to become a major force in the country's sporting landscape.