To all my Florida friends, you may have noticed an increase in billboard and radio ads and news coverage on the Florida Panthers over the past few years. If you haven’t, you may be living under a rock [no offense]. Many nay-sayers said that hockey can’t thrive in a warm-weather market, but week by week those ‘Negative Nancy’s’ are changing their tune! The Panther’s Hockey organization has made some serious strides, and it has been so exciting watching them reinvigorate hockey in the South Florida market.
Cory Sinning, Vincent Viola, Nick Loudon and Matthew Caldwell (West Point Alumni)
You must be wondering why I am so ‘hoo-rah!’ about the team. After all, I am just a girl from New York, whose family solely participated in dance, lacrosse and football. Well, two words: Matthew Caldwell. OK six words: Matthew Caldwell // West Point Military Academy. Matthew (shown above), a USMA graduate, was named President and CEO of The Florida Panthers and its parent company Sunrise Sports & Entertainment last April. My husband [also an academy graduate] and I are honored to call MC one of our best friends. And ladies, just a side note: Matthew is also considered to be South Florida’s Most Eligible Bachelor. For more on Matty check out his contribution to the Florida Panthers here.
Now that you know my back story and connection to the Panthers, I wanted to share my visit to the IceDen with all of you. As a recently certified SPARTAN SGX Coach, I reached out to set up a training session with the front office staff and management team. Thanks to Keith Fine, another academy graduate and newly appointed GM of the facility, I knew they were in the initial phase of launching their group fitness program. Hosting a workout was a fantastic way to get a feel for the facility, meet Matthew Bergdorf, Head of Athletic Performance, and to see first hand what the IceDen has to offer the community and their athletes.
The Panthers IceDen, otherwise known as the Panthers Center Of Excellence: “strives to assist student-athletes in reaching their full athletic potential and continually develop a strong athlete to coach relationship.” For more on their mission and vision click the link here. Yes! The Panthers Ice Den is a place where youth hockey and figure skating can thrive, but it is also a community center that has something for everyone!
Here are a few of the options the Panthers IceDen can offer you:
Public Skating: One of my very first jobs growing up was as a rink guard at the local ice rink. It was a summer gig, and my friends also got jobs taking tickets and organizing skates. We absolutely loved open skate time! Check out the Panthers IceDen open skate schedule here , and have some family fun for $10 or less.
Camp Incredible: Camp Incredible (ages 4-12) – designed for skaters of all abilities, Camp Incredible includes a full day of structured supervision, snack and Camp Incredible sweatshirt for doing all five days. Each activity is designed keeping the children’s age in mind. Camp times are 8:30am – 3:30pm daily, and parents can register their children for the week or per day. Aftercare from 3:30pm to 5:00pm is also available for an additional charge.
Group Events and Fundraisers: Looking to host a corporate or school event? Consider the Panthers IceDen. Not only can they provide the opportunity for your next business meeting, but they can provide fun and engaging opportunities for your group, on and off the ice. You can host public-skating fundraisers or a skate-a-thon for your favorite charity! The opportunities for groups are seemingly endless, and yes! They do have an on-site bar.
Group Fitness: If you are looking for a fun, engaging and affordable environment to work out, then make sure to check out the group fitness schedule here. The Panthers IceDen is offering everything from HIIT, Bootcamp and TRX to Zumba and Yoga. The Panthers IceDen offers a variety of different membership options. So, if you are interested and want to commit to fit in 2017 then send Matt Bergdorf an e-mail for group fitness options: BergdorfM@floridapanthers.com.
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For all other inquiries contact the Panthers IceDen today! I just want to take a second to thank the Panthers IceDen for having me. You all did an incredible job and I cannot wait to come back soon.
#CommittedToTheCats
