News Summary
The University of Central Florida (UCF) Women’s Ice Hockey team recently hosted its inaugural welcome skate event, inviting girls of all skill levels to participate in ice hockey. Organized by club founder Mia Flores, the event included seven participants and aimed to promote engagement in the sport. The coaching staff expressed hopes for the club’s growth, focusing on player development and building a competitive roster as they prepare for their first season. The UCF Women’s Ice Hockey Club plans monthly open skate sessions to encourage more girls to join and learn the game.
Orlando, FL – The University of Central Florida (UCF) Women’s Ice Hockey team successfully hosted its inaugural welcome skate event at the Orlando Ice Den this past Saturday, inviting girls of all skill levels to participate in the sport. This event aimed to encourage engagement in ice hockey within the community by providing an open and welcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
Organized by club founder and president Mia Flores, a junior majoring in media production and management, the welcome skate attracted a total of seven participants. Flores, who has been playing hockey since middle school, expressed a strong desire for the club to become a lasting resource for girls interested in the sport. The club’s head coach, Mike Young, who has over eight years of coaching experience, reaffirmed the team’s objectives during their first year, focusing on player development and building a competitive roster.
Young revealed that the goal is to assemble a team of about 15 skaters who will compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Young previously established the Orlando Express, an all-girls youth hockey program, now known as the Central Florida Hockey Club Lady Bears, indicating his commitment to developing opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
During the skating event, Young noted his pleasant surprise at the talent displayed by participants, many of whom had no prior hockey experience. This underscores the event’s purpose of reaching out to newcomers and instilling confidence in those interested in learning the game. The welcome skate was designed not just for skating practice but also as a social gathering, allowing participants to come out and enjoy hockey together.
To support new players just starting, the UCF Women’s Ice Hockey Club offers the ability to borrow essential gear, including helmets, gloves, and sticks. This initiative aims to eliminate barriers for girls who may be hesitant to join due to lack of equipment. Senior biology major Rebecca Hallanan, attending the event with no previous experience, commended the welcoming environment provided by the team and received a hockey stick as a souvenir, which is valued at approximately $130.
To maintain momentum and attract more members, the club plans to hold open skate sessions on a monthly basis. These events will continue to foster a positive and inclusive community for girls interested in joining the team and learning more about hockey. Young and Flores both acknowledge the importance of promoting women’s sports, highlighting their hopes that the UCF Women’s Hockey Team gains recognition and support from the broader campus community.
Looking ahead, the club aims to participate in its first competitive challenge, a tournament set for November. Young believes that with strong training and development, the team has the potential to be competitive. As training progresses, both Flores and Hallanan are optimistic about the growth of the team and the opportunities it will provide for female athletes in ice hockey.
The efforts of the UCF Women’s Ice Hockey Club reflect the growing interest in women’s sports and the desire to establish a supportive environment where girls can thrive in ice hockey. As the club continues to evolve, it hopes to inspire more young athletes to take up the sport and nurture their skills on the ice.
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Additional Resources
- Nicholson Student Media: UCF Women’s Ice Hockey Laces Up for the First Time
- Wikipedia: Ice Hockey
- Nicholson Student Media: UCF Students Push Women’s Hockey Club
- Google Search: Women’s Ice Hockey
- Knight News: UCF Knights Hockey Club Plays Home Opener This Friday
- Google Scholar: Women’s Ice Hockey
- Black and Gold Banneret: UCF Knights Ice Hockey Club Beats South Florida
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ice Hockey
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ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
