Pensacola Ice Flyers Return to the Hangar for 2022-23 Season

Pensacola Ice Flyers Return to the Hangar

New Theme Nights, Fan Activities & Charity of the Month Program

by Morgan Cole

Ice Flyers 2022-23 Charities of the Month

Now entering their 14th season, the Pensacola Ice Flyers are set to embark on their yearly mission to bring another Southern Professional Hockey League championship back home to the Gulf Coast.

This season, fans will also be treated to numerous theme nights, giveaways and community focused activities throughout the 28-game home schedule. It all begins with the Ice Flyers’ return to the Hangar on October 20 at 7:05 pm for a rare Thursday night season opener against the Huntsville Havoc. In addition to the many festivities fans have come to expect on opening night, the game also marks the first birthday for Ranger, the Ice Flyers beloved service-dog-intraining. Ranger’s team from Canine Companions will be on hand to help fans celebrate this special birthday. The Ice Flyers will then bring back the popular Pink in The Rink Night on October 22 to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness of local programs. The team will wear special-edition pink jerseys to be auctioned off during and following the game. Replica jerseys will also be available for purchase at both merchandise stands on either side of the Bay Center concourse and through the new Ice Flyers online store at shop.iceflyers.com. “It’s all about the experience for us, and I think our team did a great job of thinking innovatively this off season when it comes to our overall game experience,” Pensacola Ice Flyers Marketing Director Brenden Arney said. “I’m excited to have fans back in the Hangar to show off what all we’ve been working on.” Just before Halloween, the Ice Flyers will host a Capes and Crowns night on October 29, with the bestdressed young fans taking the ice during intermission for a costume parade. Some of the other fan-favorite events will also return to the Hangar this year, with three Military Appreciation Nights, two Small Dog Race Nights, a Mardi Gras Night and the always popular $5 Weekend. “A lot of effort goes into our theme night schedule. This year, we wanted to make sure that we brought back nights that fans love and also bring some new ideas to the table to

October — Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pensacola (Pink In The Rink) November — USO Northwest Florida (Veterans Appreciation Night) December — Gulf Coast Kids House

January — Southern Youth Sports Association (MLK Day Game) February — Canine Companions March — Rally Pensacola (Rally Foundation)

ensure that we have something for everyone to enjoy throughout the season,” Arney explained. Each year, the Ice Flyers also host a Veterans Appreciation Night for their Veterans Day home game. In support of local veterans and to honor the rich military history of the area, the team will host their regular Veterans Appreciation Night on November 11, along with three Military Appreciation Nights on December 30, January 21 and March 25. In the heart of the holiday season, the team will bring back their annual Thanksgiving Eve game on November 23, a pre-Christmas Eve game on December 12 and the first ever Monday game on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Ice Flyers Community Initiative Night will once again benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida.

In addition to the Community Initiative Night, the Ice Flyers will also launch a new program this year in an effort to increase community involvement. This year, the team has selected a group of local charities and nonprofit organizations to support each month throughout the 2022-23 season. Along with providing multiple fundraising opportunities at each of the games, the team will also donate proceeds earned from the sale of special Ice Flyers merchandise to each of the designated charities for that month. “Giving back to the community is huge for our organization. With our new charity of the month initiative, we’re able to use our games and social platforms to help bring awareness to multiple organizations that are making a positive impact in our community,” Arney said. The first game of the Ice Flyers 2022-23 season will be held October 20 at 7:05 pm at the Pensacola Bay Center. Fans can purchase tickets online on ticketmaster.com or in person at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office to avoid additional fees. The Ice Flyers offer discounts to eligible military, students and children for tickets purchased directly through the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office.

For more information about the upcoming season, including single or season tickets, visit the new Ice Flyers website at iceflyers.com or download the Ice Flyers mobile app available on the App Store and Google Play.

PENSACOLA • FLORIDA

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