The Florida college hockey scene is experiencing a surge in popularity and competitiveness. While the sport's presence in Florida colleges dates back to the 1990s, it wasn't until the mid-2000s that it gained stable footing. Today, the state boasts eight public and private universities with men's ice hockey clubs competing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 3. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) even has a second team competing in ACHA Division 2. Furthermore, four institutions form the East Florida Collegiate Hockey Conference, adding to the growing collegiate hockey landscape.

These teams aren't just participating; they're making a mark. Several Florida teams consistently qualify for the ACHA Division 3 National Tournament each year. Among them, the FGCU Eagles have demonstrated remarkable consistency, securing ACHA Division 2 Championships in 2012, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Their Division 3 team also achieved impressive results, finishing second in 2005, 2009, and 2015.

The increasing competitiveness of Florida's college hockey teams is attracting attention from high school players worldwide. Initially, the limited infrastructure for hockey in Florida made it challenging to recruit top-tier talent. However, with multiple competitive teams consistently reaching Nationals, Florida universities have expanded their recruiting efforts. According to Matthew Maida, the director of communications with FGCU hockey, there has been a consistent increase in players attending tryouts each season. The warm weather of Southwest Florida and the on-ice success of the Eagles serve as a draw for elite talents from across the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions, leading to the cancellation of sporting events and leaving teams with unfinished seasons. The uncertainty surrounding university life in 2020-21 also prevented many hockey teams in Florida from starting in the fall. Given the grass-roots nature of these clubs, the long-term impact of the lost season is still being assessed.

As hockey continues to develop in Florida, university teams are expected to grow alongside it. While it may be some time before a top NHL draft pick emerges from a Florida university, graduates of Florida collegiate hockey have already made their way into the ECHL, SPHL, and even European leagues. In the coming decade, more graduates may work their way into the AHL and eventually the NHL.