The spark in Leo Jungerman’s eyes when he watched his first hockey game was transformative.

Leo had dabbled in sports like soccer and tennis, but it was during a Toronto Marlies game — the Toronto Maple Leafs’ minor league team — that his passion for hockey ignited at just 8 years old.

“When we watched the game, I found myself watching Leo most of the time,” recalled his father Alex Jungerman. “It was fascinating. When he showed interest in trying hockey, I fully supported him.”

In 2015, Alex relocated their family from Brazil to Florida, where he began searching for youth hockey programs for Leo, who had never skated before.

That’s when he discovered the Florida Panthers Learn to Play initiative, designed to introduce children to hockey while removing barriers to entry. This initiative is part of the Panthers’ broader strategy to expand the sport in underserved communities, particularly among the rapidly growing Hispanic population.

In Florida, nearly 30% of residents are Latino, a demographic that the NHL sees as pivotal for growing the sport. Rob Knesaurek, the NHL’s senior vice president of community development and industry growth, emphasized the league’s commitment to engaging Hispanic communities, traditionally overlooked in hockey outreach efforts.

The NHL, along with the NHL Player’s Association’s industry growth fund, has invested over $180 million in the past decade to promote hockey across North America, focusing on accessibility and affordability.

For Leo, joining the Panthers’ Learn to Play program was a pivotal moment. His father estimated spending around $300 for Leo to receive full hockey gear and six lessons, a small investment that opened a new world for Leo.

Navigating the initial challenges of learning to skate and grasp hockey’s intricacies wasn’t easy. Leo recalled moments of doubt, especially with balancing on skates being particularly daunting.

“There were times I almost wanted to quit, especially when learning to skate,” Leo admitted. “It’s like balancing your entire body on two thin edges. It’s tough.”

Yet Leo persisted. Now at 16, he proudly plays for Florida’s Junior Panthers travel hockey team, a testament to his perseverance and the supportive environment fostered by the Panthers.

John Colombo, the Panthers’ vice president of community relations, praised Leo’s journey, highlighting how inclusive environments are crucial in dispelling hockey’s reputation as an exclusive sport.

The NHL’s initiatives have not only supported Leo’s hockey dreams but also fostered a vibrant hockey culture in Florida. The Panthers’ efforts extend beyond the ice, with programs like floorball PE reaching over 300,000 students across 450 schools, introducing countless children to hockey.

The team’s commitment to diversity is further exemplified through events like “¡Vamos Gatos!” nights, celebrating South Florida’s Hispanic community, and hosting the LATAM Cup, a tournament showcasing Latin American and Caribbean talent.

“We’re not just looking for future NHL players,” Knesaurek emphasized. “Our goal is to build thriving communities through hockey, creating lifelong fans and positive impacts.”

Leo Jungerman’s journey from curious spectator to dedicated player symbolizes the transformative power of sports outreach. His image on the Panthers’ inaugural Learn to Play poster serves as a proud reminder of how far he has come, a testament to the inclusive spirit driving hockey’s growth in Florida and beyond.