The Florida Scholastic Hockey League was founded in 1998 by Peter Pearlman, MD, and Co-founders Joseph Yates, MD, and Patrick Graham, MD. The league was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501C(3) corporation in October 1998. The FSHL began operations with four teams and has since had more than 40 teams in two conferences (Panthers and Lightning) around the state of Florida. In South Florida, the Panthers Conference (the original FSHL) now consists of school teams from Pembroke Pines to Lake Worth. Teams from Tampa and the surrounding areas make up the Lightning Conference.

The Florida Scholastic Hockey League is a not-for-profit organization affiliated with USA Hockey (the governing body for youth and amateur hockey in the United States). The league is run and managed by volunteers from all walks of life. The Executive Board, Advisory Board, and Committee Members are all volunteers whose dedication and hard work make the FSHL a great success now and guarantee its success in the future.

With the enormous number of events the League sponsors, the continuing success of the FSHL is predicated on the time and effort donated by our volunteers.

Mission Statement

To maintain our competitiveness of high-caliber hockey with the importance of encouraging sportsmanship between all players for the betterment of the physical and social well being.

Our Beliefs

We believe that…

• Participation in school activity programs is a privilege and not a right.
• Sportsmanship needs to have a constant presence in all school-based activity programs.
• Students should have an equal opportunity to participate in all activities offered by their school.
• Ethical behavior, dignity and respect are non-negotiable.
• Student participants who choose to be chemically free must be supported.
• Collaborative relationships with parents enhance a school's opportunity to positively impact student success.
• Academic priorities must come before participation in athletic or fine arts activities.
• Positive role models and an active involvement in a student's life by parents and others are critical to student success.
• High school activity programs are designed for student participants, and adults must serve in a supportive role.
• The success of the team is more important than individual honors.
• Compliance with school, community and League rules is essential for all activity participants.
• Participation in school-sponsored activities must be inclusive, not exclusive.
• Ethical behavior, fairness, and embracing diversity best serve students and school communities.