Could the Miami Hurricanes Be College Hockey’s Next Unexpected Program?

College hockey is in a growth phase, and the potential for expansion is as strong as it’s ever been. Many schools that invest in and succeed in other sports may consider putting money into hockey. 

This mini-series breaks down the most feasible programs to become a Division I hockey program based on that school’s other sports, its market, and the money that school has. The countdown hasn't reached the top spot, with the University of Miami.

When people think about college hockey, schools like Minnesota, Michigan, Boston College, and Wisconsin usually come to mind. These programs have established traditions, passionate fan bases, and decades of history. The University of Miami is never part of that conversation. But perhaps it should be.

There aren’t many college brands as recognizable as the Hurricanes. 

It would be a tough project for the school, but they have the resources, the growing interest in the game, and a growing pipeline that grows every year. 

The Hurricanes are nationally recognized, mainly for their history in college football. That recognition gives the university a foundation to promote a new sport, attract attention, and potentially develop partnerships with businesses and supporters.

For years, the idea of hockey thriving in Florida might have seemed impossible to people used to the sport's traditional markets. The growth of the NHL in the state has helped change that perception.

The Florida Panthers have become a major part of Florida's sports landscape, bringing more attention to hockey through their success, work in the community, and youth development. Their presence gives the region a professional hockey organization that can help introduce new fans to the sport and inspire younger players.

Florida also has a growing base of registered hockey participants. That doesn't mean every young player is a potential NCAA recruit, but it does show that the state's hockey community is larger than stereotypes about the Sunshine State might suggest.

Miami wouldn't need to rely exclusively on homegrown talent to build a competitive roster. Like most college programs, it could recruit nationally while working to strengthen its ties to the local hockey community, because who wouldn’t want to live in Florida and play the sport they love?

The university has a men's club hockey program competing in the American Collegiate Hockey Association. This provides a starting point for understanding the existing student interest in the sport and the challenges involved in taking hockey to another level.

The biggest issue would be access to facilities, as the Panthers’ home rink is around a 40-minute drive from campus, but the school could decide to put a large sum of money down to build their own, or find an existing rink in the area that works. 

Florida is a place that many players wouldn’t mind spending 1-5 years playing hockey, and with more focus on their youth programs, down the line, there could be a legit player pipeline for the school.