A Commitment to Development

Built on a development-first philosophy, the Florida Kings Development Program prepares athletes for sustained success on and off the ice. With a strong emphasis on skill mastery, hockey IQ, confidence, and character, we develop players the right way—at every level of the game no matter the age of your player.

The Florida Kings Development Program is designed to build confident, skilled, and resilient athletes. Through our partnership with Boca Ice and a comprehensive development model, players are given the foundation needed to compete, grow, and succeed at the next level. This pathway offers a clear, development-focused progression for young athletes.

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Players start with Learn to Play, building strong foundational skills, then advance into Boca Ice House Programs to further develop hockey IQ. From there, athletes have the opportunity to try out for the Florida Kings Youth Travel Hockey Program, where elite coaching and competitive play support long-term success at higher levels.

  • The Florida Kings proudly partner with Boca Ice to provide a seamless, development-focused pathway for youth hockey players in South Florida. This partnership allows athletes to build strong foundational skills through Boca Ice programming and advance into the Florida Kings travel program when they are ready for the next level.

    By aligning coaching standards, training methodologies, and development goals, the Florida Kings and Boca Ice create a clear, consistent progression from Learn to Play and house programs through competitive travel hockey. Players are developed in an environment that emphasizes proper fundamentals, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game.

  • Our player development model is built around age-appropriate training and individual growth. Practices are structured, high-tempo, and purpose-driven, with a strong emphasis on developing fundamentals that consistently translate to game situations.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Skating mechanics and edge control

    • Puck handling, shooting, and passing

    • Hockey IQ and in-game decision making

    • Position-specific skill development

    • Small-area games designed to enhance creativity, compete level, and situational awareness

    This approach ensures players develop the skills, confidence, and understanding needed to succeed at every stage of their hockey journey.

  • The Florida Kings offer a dedicated goaltender development track designed to support goalies at every stage of their development. Goalie training is position-specific and fully integrated into our overall player development model, ensuring consistency and long-term growth.

    Key components of the program include:

    • Specialized, goalie-specific coaching

    • Emphasis on skating, angles, positioning, and rebound control

    • Puck handling and overall game awareness

    • Mental preparation, confidence building, and consistency

    This comprehensive approach helps develop confident, well-rounded goaltenders prepared to compete at higher levels of play.

  • Team concepts are introduced progressively by age level to support understanding and execution while preserving creativity and individual expression. Systems are used to enhance hockey IQ and decision-making—not to replace individual skill or instincts.

    Key development areas include:

    • Offensive, defensive, and neutral zone concepts

    • Transition play and puck support

    • Special teams fundamentals

    • Situational awareness, accountability, and role responsibility

    This approach ensures players learn how to play within a team structure while continuing to develop confidence, creativity, and hockey intelligence.

  • Player development extends well beyond the ice. The Florida Kings emphasize habits and education that support long-term athletic performance, health, and personal growth.

    Key focus areas include:

    • Strength, conditioning, and mobility fundamentals

    • Injury prevention and recovery awareness

    • Nutrition and hydration education

    • Leadership development, accountability, and sportsmanship

    This holistic approach helps prepare athletes not only to compete at higher levels, but to grow into disciplined, confident individuals on and off the ice.

  • Florida Kings coaches are committed to player development, education, and positive leadership. Our coaching staff follows a consistent, age-appropriate curriculum across all levels and places a strong emphasis on communication, accountability, and respect.

    Coaching standards include:

    • USA Hockey–certified coaches

    • Development-focused coaching methodology

    • Alignment and consistency across all teams and age groups

    • Professional, positive, and constructive player communication

    This approach ensures a supportive, high-quality coaching environment that helps every athlete reach their full potential.

  • Player development is continuously evaluated throughout the season, with coaches providing regular feedback to help athletes understand expectations and identify areas for growth.

    This approach ensures:

    • Clear, well-defined development goals

    • Ongoing feedback and open communication

    • A structured pathway for progression within the program

    By maintaining consistent evaluation and communication, players are supported in their development at every stage of their journey with the Florida Kings.