The USPHL will be moving as many teams and players that are interested to Tampa to play in a “Hub City” that will begin next month. According to Mark Divver on Twitter, the cost will run between $1,500-$2,000 per player. Teams will be in Tampa from Jan. 4 until about Feb. 17 and will play 18-20 games. A typical week, according to Divver’s report, would include two practices and three games.
The league has partnered with Saddlebrook Resort and on-ice events will take place at AdventHealth Ice Center.
“Saddlebrook and AdventHealth Center Ice provide the USPHL Coaches and Staff all the necessary facilities to execute the USPHL Player Development Model in a contained, safe environment,” the league said in a statement. “Each week, USPHL Teams will have multiple on-ice practices, continue their off-ice strength and conditioning regiments, and have team and one-on-one video analysis. Dedicated space will be provided for all online/virtual students to ensure uninterrupted learning. Equally important, the Hub City Event will provide players a competitive 20-game schedule not currently available to them due to ever-changing travel restrictions across the country. All games will be carried on the new USPHL/HockeyTV channel set to be launched on January 1st.”
The league said that off-ice activities will be limited to the resort.
“All USPHL safety protocols addressing the concerns surrounding the dissemination of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, guidelines regarding travel, facility management and any hockey/sport-related policies will remain in effect,” the league said. “The USPHL will have trained medical staff on site throughout the duration of the Hub City Event.”