Every Monday night, the Panthers' practice facility in Fort Lauderdale becomes one of the busiest hockey spots in South Florida. NHL veterans and young prospects gather for SoFlo, a fast-paced summer league that helps players stay sharp while making the offseason enjoyable.
What is SoFlo?
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Some of the Panthers have taken their offseason training a step further by joining SoFlo, a 4-on-4 summer hockey league featuring no coaches, no referees, and no commercial breaks. After six weeks of regular-season action, the league wraps up with two weeks of playoffs. More than the standings, SoFlo provides players with a competitive but relaxed environment before NHL training camps begin.
Seth Jones looks ready
After three games, the Panthers defenseman Seth Jones has already recorded two goals and five assists.
Jones' 2025-26 NHL campaign was cut short because of injuries. He couldn't finish the Winter Classic against the New York Rangers or represent Team USA at the Winter Olympics in Italy. He missed nearly three months with a fractured collarbone before returning in March, only to suffer a broken foot shortly afterward. Despite appearing in just 52 games, Jones finished the season with seven goals and 32 points.
The good news is his early performances in SoFlo suggest he's already rounding into form for the upcoming NHL season.
A North American adjustment for Matvei Shuravin
The summer league also allows newly signed Matvei Shuravin to adjust to North American hockey.
The 20-year-old defenseman was selected by the Florida Panthers in the third round (97th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. Although he already has experience playing professionally in Russia's KHL and VHL, continuing to adapt to the North American game will be an important step in his development. Shuravin will likely begin the season in the AHL, where he can continue developing before pushing for NHL opportunities.
Shuravin has participated in one SoFlo game and has yet to record a point.
A new physical edge
On July 1, the Panthers signed Bokondji Imama to a one-year, two-way contract. The 6-foot-1 forward spent most of last season in the AHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins' affiliate in Pennsylvania and already has solid NHL and AHL experience. His physical style and willingness to stand up for teammates could prove valuable during rivalry games against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
On the SoFlo side, Imama has already made an impact, recording one goal and one assist in his first game this summer.
NHL veteran Aaron Ekblad has also made an appearance, recording one assist in one SoFlo game as he begins preparing for the 2026-27 NHL season.
More than just summer stats
While the numbers are fun to follow, SoFlo is about much more than goals and assists. The relaxed atmosphere gives fans a rare opportunity to watch NHL players up close, take selfies, chat with them after games, and enjoy a side of professional hockey that is not seen during the regular season.
For the players, it's an ideal way to stay competitive without any pressure during the offseason. For fans, it's one of the best hockey experiences South Florida has to offer.
The SoFlo hockey will run through August 17. You never know which Panthers will join the tournament next.
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