Two ex-Panthers create an unforgettable moment for Florida youth hockey

The NHL dropped a fun clip Tuesday, kids chasing pucks in Miami with two familiar faces in the mix. It's the kind of thing that makes you remember why you fell in love with the sport.

This whole Winter Classic week already felt like a statement for South Florida. l

What I love most is that the Panthers didn't treat it like a one-night gimmick. The Florida Panthers Foundation helped keep the rink around a little longer so local youth players could skate it too.

As a fan, I'm jealous of those kids in the best way.

You can't talk about this without talking about growth, because it's real. Both NHL.com and CBS Sports have cited youth hockey participation in Florida rising 73% since 2012-13, and winning absolutely helps drive that.

When a team becomes a contender, then a champion, the sport stops feeling «extra» down here. It starts feeling normal, and that's the biggest win of all.

It also helps that Florida's programs keep the front door open for new families. The Panthers run a Learn to Play setup tied into the NHL, NHLPA, and USA Hockey, and that's where a lot of first skates begin.

A Winter Classic rink isn't just ice, it's a core memory, and you could see it in every kid who didn't want to leave the surface. If the Panthers keep mixing success with moments like this, the next wave is already on the way.