Coral Gables, Fla. — It’s Sunday night, and the arena parking lot is filled with people lugging hockey bags towards the main doors.

But we’re not in a small town in Canada. We’re in Coral Gables, Fla., where hockey leagues are very much alive and well at the Panthers IceDen.

Recommended Videos

There are three games going on three sheets of ice. But one stands out — the Panthers Warriors are on the wrong end of a 10-3 drubbing, but the team is notable. Its players are all veterans or people who support American vets, and the program is supported by the NHL club.

“It’s the hardest sport I’ve ever played in my life,” said Ryan Teems, a 32-year-old U.S. Army vet.

Three years ago, Teems didn’t even know how to properly tie up skates. But, now, he’s playing regularly.

“I got out of the Ar

See Full Page