Well, hockey fans, it’s that time again! The NHL has officially dropped the full schedule for the 2025–26 season, and there’s a lot to get excited about. But with all the buzz and big announcements came a few groans too because, let’s be honest, no NHL schedule release is ever met without at least some debate. So, yes! So, when does the madness begin? October 7. And that’s when the reigning Stanley Cup champs, the Florida Panthers, open the season against the Chicago Blackhawks. From there, it’s a 1,312-game ride that doesn’t stop until April 16. But fans around the globe have plenty to circle on their calendars.
Can outdoor hockey really work under the Florida sun? That’s what fans are asking as the NHL rolls out one of its boldest slates yet. First up on the global stage? The NHL heads to Stockholm on November 14 and 16, where the Penguins and Predators will face off in front of an international crowd. But it’s the early 2026 double-header in Florida that’s turning heads. First, the Winter Classic hits Miami on January 2, with the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers at loanDepot Park. Then, on February 1, the Tampa Bay Lightning take on the Boston Bruins in the Stadium Series at Raymond James Stadium. Two outdoor games. One warm-weather state. Will it feel like a tribute to hockey’s roots or a sun-soaked stretch too far?
From outdoor games in the Sunshine State to the @NHL‘s Winter Olympic return, next season will have a little bit of everything! pic.twitter.com/BBQdVIIfC2
— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 16, 2025
And yes, the long wait is over; the NHL is finally returning to the Winter Olympics. The league will pause from February 5 to 20 so players can represent their countries at the 2026 Games in Milan. So, while the season is full of spectacle, star power, and fresh twists, some fans can’t help but voice concerns. As always with hockey, there’s excitement, there’s pride, and there’s a little bit of noise in the corners.
NHL fans are divided on the Stadium Series
“The Winter Classic was supposed to be an ode to pond hockey. Stop doing dumb sh*t lol.” That one fan comment may sound blunt, even harsh, but behind the sarcasm is a feeling many long-time hockey lovers share. The Winter Classic is designed to pay tribute to hockey’s roots, playing outdoors in cold, snowy environments, but is now being held in a warm-weather city (Miami, Florida) for the first time.
Even though the Winter Classic was born out of nostalgia—a celebration of hockey’s purest form, played outdoors, surrounded by snow, under open skies. The very first edition in 2008, staged at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo, delivered that magic perfectly. Snow fell throughout the game between the Sabres and Penguins, creating an atmosphere that felt less like a spectacle and more like a return home. Now, with the 2026 Winter Classic heading to loanDepot Park in Miami, a retractable-roof stadium in a subtropical city, fans are understandably torn. Yes, it’s a bold move. Yes, it’s a chance to show the NHL in a growing market. But for many, it feels like something sacred is being diluted.
Another fan questioned the NHL’s decision bluntly: “How the hell are they going to have a functional ice rink at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa??? I know it’s February, but I’ve been there in February when it was in the high 90s.” Another simply called the idea “Dumb asf.” These reactions show a genuine concern: Can an outdoor hockey game really work in Florida’s heat? Ice hockey requires cold, stable conditions, typically below freezing. Trying to preserve high-quality ice in a warm, humid city is no small feat, especially in an open-air football stadium like Raymond James, which lacks the climate controls of indoor venues.
The fans aren’t exaggerating. Weather records show that Tampa in early February often sees daytime highs between 71°F and 74°F, with some years peaking as high as 83°F. In fact, on February 1, 2024, the temperature reached a balmy 66°F, already far from ideal for maintaining a playable ice surface. That makes the NHL’s 2026 Stadium Series game a major technical challenge, and it’s easy to see why traditionalists are raising eyebrows.
Another fan took a more balanced view, saying, “If they can make ice suitable for a decent game, then I don’t have any problems with the location. I just wish it could be played on Jan 1st,” while another called it a “good initiative.” These reactions show that while concerns about ice quality and tradition exist, not all fans are against warm-weather games; some are open to the idea, as long as the NHL delivers a high-quality product and preserves the spirit of the event.
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