In the sun-soaked, alligator-infested, orange-juice-producing, roller-coaster-riding, flip-flop-wearing state of Florida, a bunch of brave and adventurous kids are turning the traditional tropical landscape on its head. They are swapping sand for ice, and palm trees for hockey sticks. Yes, you heard it right! Florida, the glorious land of the sun, has a troop of cool-as-cucumber kids, who play HOCKEY. Now, let me introduce you to our imaginary friend, Freddy the Flamingo. Freddy, with his long, bendy neck and pink feathers, is a flamingo who plays hockey. He stands on one leg and scores goals with the other, and he plays as the star goalie for the Florida Feathered Fury. He's probably the only flamingo you'll ever meet who prefers ice skates over flip-flops any day of the week! These Floridian kids are as unique as our friend Freddy. They slap shots in the sunshine and practice puck handling under palm trees. They race around the rink, faster than a gator down a slip-n-slide, turning the heat up on the ice. Their parents watch, sipping on cold drinks, and wondering where their beach-loving, sand-castle-building babies have gone. But, it's not all fun and games. These kids put in hard work. You should see their alarm clocks, ringing before the sun even thinks about waking up. And they might be the only Floridians who love when the temperature drops a bit. Because down in Florida, you don't need snow to have fun. All you need is a hockey stick, an ice rink, and a group of friends who don't mind falling on their butts every now and then. So next time you think of Florida, remember it's not just about beaches and oranges. It's also about a bunch of cool kids and a hockey-playing flamingo named Freddy!
Read morebest hockey programs in Ellenton, FL
Give your child the opportunity to learn a unique Olympic sport while building confidence, focus, coordination, discipline, and strategic thinking at ALLE Fencing Club in Fort Lauderdale. ALLE Fencing Club specializes in saber fencing and welcomes students from beginners discovering the sport for the first time to experienced young athletes preparing for regional and national competitions. Youth beginner classes introduce children ages 6–12 to the fundamentals of fencing, including saber handling, footwork, distance control, fencing etiquette, sportsmanship, coordination, focus, and basic rules. Junior programs are available for ages 12+ and help students progress toward competitive fencing. With experienced coaches and a supportive training environment, students develop both physical and mental skills while learning a sport that challenges them to think quickly, move confidently, and make strategic decisions. Advanced and Elite programs provide additional training for experienced fencers interested in tournaments and high-level competition. ALLE Fencing Club also offers private lessons for personalized instruction and skill development, as well as beginner-focused fencing camps that combine fencing activities with teamwork, confidence-building, focus, and fun.
For families looking for a fun and unique way to spend time together, the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida is the perfect destination. Situated at exit 224, Old Exit 43, off I-75, the complex offers a wide range of activities to entertain all ages. With its 115,000 square foot “igloo-like” complex, the state-of-the-art facility offers two NHL size ice rinks, a 13,500 sq/ft roller/ball hockey rink, a fitness center and cross-fit gym, as well as a conference room, concessions area, birthday party rooms and Precision Edge Hockey Pro Shop. As if that wasn’t enough, the complex also offers massage therapy by Brian Smith and Integrated Body Therapies. Parents looking for a fun and exciting place to take the family can look no further than the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida. Located just off I-75 at exit 224, Old Exit 43, this 115,000 square foot “igloo-like” complex is the perfect destination for all ages. The facility boasts two NHL size ice rinks, a 13,500 sq/ft roller/ball hockey rink, and a fitness center and cross-fit gym to keep everyone active and entertained. There are also conference rooms, concessions area, birthday party rooms, and the Precision Edge Hockey Pro Shop. In addition, the complex also offers massage therapy by Brian Smith and Integrated Body Therapies. Take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and visit the Prime Outlet Mall in Ellenton, Florida. Just off I-75 at exit 224, Old Exit 43, this 115,000 square foot “igloo-like” complex provides fun and entertainment for the whole family. Whether it’s hitting the two NHL size ice rinks, the 13,500 sq/ft roller/ball hockey rink, or exploring the fitness center and cross-fit gym, there is something for everyone. The complex also includes conference rooms, concessions area, birthday party rooms, as well as the Precision Edge Hockey Pro Shop. As an added bonus, the complex also offers massage therapy by Brian Smith and Integrated Body Therapies.