By:Brady Seay
For many college athletes, playing a sport is about more than just competing. It can also mean finding a community of people who share the same passion. At the University of North Florida, the club hockey team has built a place for students to compete while connecting with a larger hockey community in Jacksonville.
UNF club hockey gives students the opportunity to continue playing the sport at a competitive level while representing their university. The team plays its home games at the Community First Igloo in Jacksonville, where players are supported by fans, families, and members of the local hockey community.
Unlike many traditional college sports programs, club hockey players face financial responsibilities to participate. Players can spend approximately $2,000 to $2,500 each season to cover expenses associated with being part of the team. Despite those costs, players continue to make sacrifices to compete and represent UNF on the ice.
Support from Jacksonville’s hockey community also plays an important role in the team’s experience. Fans and families regularly attend games, creating an atmosphere that gives the players encouragement throughout the season. For many, the support goes beyond simply watching a hockey game. It is about being part of a community that shares a common interest in sport.
The connection between the team and its supporters can be seen during special events like family nights, when friends and family come together to support the players. Having that support in the stands can make a difference for a club team that relies on its community to help create a competitive and enjoyable environment.
For players like UNF senior goalie Matthew Moroney, being part of the team means more than just playing hockey. The energy from the crowd and the support from people throughout Jacksonville help create an experience that brings players and fans together.
UNF club hockey is one example of how sports can bring a community together. While the players make financial and personal sacrifices to compete, the support they receive from Jacksonville’s hockey community helps make the experience worthwhile. At the Community First Igloo, the connection between the team and its fans shows that hockey in Jacksonville is about more than what happens on the ice.