Warm-weather hockey isn’t supposed to work… but it does. And in cities like San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, and Miami, the sport is growing faster than anyone expected—despite the culture, the cost, and in some places, the controversy.

In Episode 6 of Empty the Bench: Small Market Edition, host and narrator Callan McClurg takes listeners deep into the rinks, the roller leagues, the youth programs, and the personal stories that define hockey’s rise in non-traditional markets. From Callan’s early days watching the powerhouse WCHL San Diego Gulls, to playing inline hockey until his home rink was converted into an indoor soccer field, to a decade behind the microphone as PA Announcer for the AHL Gulls—this is a deeply human look at how the sport survives when the weather says it shouldn’t.

Callan explores the realities families face in warm climates, where upfront travel-team costs can hit $5,600–$5,800 and monthly dues run $500–$700. He breaks down growth numbers from California to Texas to Florida—and the darker side of that growth, including the USA Today investigation into the Dallas Stars’ alleged monopoly over youth hockey in Texas.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. Southern California offers a different model—one where the Gulls, Ducks, and Kings all contribute to a diverse, competitive, and accessible ecosystem that lets the sport thrive without a single team controlling the landscape.

Featuring personal reflections, youth hockey data, and an honest look at the challenges ahead, “Pucks Among the Palms” is a love letter to the communities who refuse to let hockey melt away.

⚠️ Note on Partnerships: This podcast was previously sponsored and powered by the Novig Sports Prediction Market. Please be advised that the partnership with Novig has expired due to the company ceasing operations in California and New York.

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