Battle in the Bay: Tampa hosts first Grow the Game Day of 2025
TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA – On March 8th, 2025, local U13 ice hockey teams in the state of Florida came together for the first USA Ball Hockey Grow the Game Day of 2025, marking an exciting milestone for the sport’s expansion in the region. The event showcased a thrilling display of passion, competitive spirit, and skill, as athletes demonstrated their talents in a fast-paced rink environment. Learning from experienced mentors and coaches affiliated with USA Ball Hockey, players were able to test their hockey skills and make memories that will last a lifetime.
This milestone event not only reinforces the idea that USA Ball Hockey can grow the game in ‘non-traditional’ markets, but also proves that Florida is home to some of the most promising players in the game today. With even more events and programs like this rising in the Sunshine State, the momentum of growth is set to continue, ensuring access to USA Ball Hockey events all across the country.
The Tournament
The tournament began with a round-robin format, featuring three eager ice hockey teams, and a team from Manatee Ball Hockey– an exclusive USA Ball Hockey affiliate known as the Green Team. The games were highly competitive and intense, yet they remained both fun and educational as the tournament progressed into the playoff stage. With round robin games determining seeding, and more exceptional play, the tournament ended in a thrilling championship game. After several hard-fought battles, the White Team, comprised of players from the Tampa Bulls Ice Hockey Team, emerged victorious.
USA Ball Hockey Referee and tournament host Nick Kilcourse said, “Overall the hockey was incredible and all the games were pretty evenly-matched. I think the best part was that it ran very smoothly. The kids obviously had a great time, and the parents were really into it. It was important for everyone to see that Ball Hockey is a thing that can thrive down here in the Sunshine State.”
Each team was assigned a color and quickly adapted to the sport with structured plays, cohesive teamwork, and intelligent game strategy. Teams White, Blue, Black, and Green each put on an impressive effort, entertaining spectators and gaining the admiration of the USA Ball Hockey coaches and referees who organized the event.
An Impact Unlike Any Other
Parents in attendance were just as engaged as the players in front of them, cheering passionately from the boards and celebrating every save, defensive block, and goal. Many expressed their appreciation for such a unique event, noting how much their children enjoyed the opportunity to compete and learn in such a dynamic environment. The overwhelming support from families and the community of Tampa emphasized the importance of USA Ball Hockey’s Grow the Game initiative, and furthered the enthusiasm for creating more avenues of hockey in Florida.
Adding even more excitement to the tournament, some players were lucky enough to receive USA Ball Hockey memorabilia to commemorate their impressive in-game efforts. Assistant Director of Hockey Operations for USA Ball Hockey Mike Albright, awarded standouts with USA Ball Hockey gear, balls, and bookbags– a gesture that not only rewarded their hard work, but also added to their desire to continue playing. Watching their dedication to the sport of hockey being recognized on the national level has been a huge motivator for the young athletes in Florida.
The Future Stars of Florida
After seeing the level of talent that has been hiding in Florida for so long, Kilcourse believes that it is time for a Future Stars team to be established full-time in the southern community. Working diligently alongside both parents and players, Kilcourse hopes to begin this program in the summer alongside his buddy Greg Cazzola. Cazzola ran a Ball Hockey tournament in Florida last year and by partnering with Kilcourse, they were able to run their largest and most successful tournament yet. As the mastermind behind the tournament, Cazzola recruited and organized teams to fulfill the tournament structure. With his history of team administration and event coordination, there is no doubt that he is a perfect fit to initiate the Future Stars team in their region.
Cazzola’s coaching partner, Nick Kilcourse, currently plays for the Orlando Mutiny in the National Ball Hockey League, where he has captured back to back Florida Division Championships. In June of 2024, he represented Team North America Ball Hockey on the international stage at the 3v3 World Cup of Nations in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec Canada– an event sanctioned by the World Ball & Dek Hockey Federation. Growing up completely immersed in the sport, Kilcourse’s experience and leadership are key to making him the voice of the Future Stars program in Florida.
Future Stars teams are brought together to compete in the summers against one another in the most widespread USA Ball Hockey sanctioned tournament in the world. Over 500 athletes from different state teams, ages nine to nineteen, compete against each other in a national Future Stars Tournament championship. The competition emphasizes development of the United States’ future ball hockey stars. Florida could be next to punch their ticket to this monumental event.
Kilcourse added: “You can tell by watching them play that these kids know exactly what they are doing. You can tell by the way they shoot, the quick-touch passes off the boards, and the speed they bring to the sport of Ball Hockey that they got this. The biggest thing is to just keep your feet moving and stick with it because you are going to get better.”
It’s safe to say that the future of ball hockey in the South East is in wonderful hands. With a commitment to provide structured development activities, increased national exposure, and a clear pathway for aspiring athletes to progress in the sport, USA Ball Hockey is excited to take this next step. This weekend has not only propelled the rapid growth of ball hockey in the state of Florida, but it has proved that some of the most promising pioneers of the sport may be living in areas that may not have constant access to USA Ball Hockey programming. Nick Kilcourse and Greg Cazzola are out to change that.
“Ball hockey is thriving down here in the Sunshine State,” Kilcourse said, “Once everyone finds out what USA Ball Hockey truly is, I think we are going to become an epicenter down here in the next couple of years.”
If you or a family member is interested in playing ball hockey in the state of Florida or becoming affiliated with the Future Stars program as it expands into Florida, please reach out to Nick Kilcourse via email, nickkilcourse@gmail.com or phone number, (856)562-7925.
What is next for USA Ball Hockey?
Next, USA Ball Hockey will be in Tucson, Arizona for the next Grow the Game Day of 2025!
