A Dream Realized: Anthony Duclair’s Gift to South Florida
On a sunny Wednesday morning in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, the dream of former Florida Panthers forward Anthony Duclair became a reality. The Anthony Duclair Foundation, in collaboration with the NHL Industry Growth Fund, officially unveiled a brand new 50×100 foot synthetic ice surface at Boyd H. Anderson High School. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to eliminate the need for costly refrigeration and traditional ice maintenance, making it a cost-effective and sustainable solution to enhance hockey access in the region. The grand opening ceremony was a testament to the community’s commitment to growing the sport, with hundreds of enthusiastic students from the school cheering from behind the boards, and the marching band adding a festive atmosphere to the event.
A Community Coming Together
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a significant moment, bringing together a diverse group of supporters. Among those present were NHL executives, community officials, local commissioners, and the principal of Boyd H. Anderson High School. The event highlighted the collaborative effort to make hockey more accessible to the youth of South Florida. Duclair, a proud resident of Fort Lauderdale, expressed his gratitude and commitment to the community. "As a proud resident of Fort Lauderdale, I’m going to be here in the summer time obviously when my season is finished," Duclair said. "I’m going to try to be here as much as I can and try to lead the way and try to be here for the kids, and try to teach them what I was taught at an early age."
Personal Connections and Community Impact
Boyd Anderson High School has a significant Haitian demographic, which makes the new rink particularly meaningful. Duclair, who is of Haitian descent, understands the importance of representation and community support. "I was them not too long ago," Duclair shared with THN Florida. "I spoke to a couple of them, and whatever they go through in life, I think perseverance, leadership, and obviously hard work, they can accomplish anything." This project is deeply personal for Duclair, who aims to open the same doors for local youth that were opened for him. It is a full-circle moment, from his early days on synthetic ice in Point-Claire, Quebec, to the creation of this new facility in South Florida.
Expanding Opportunities
The synthetic ice surface at Boyd H. Anderson High School is more than just a rink; it is a platform for growth and development. Duclair plans to conduct development camps on the new surface, building on the success of the camps he has hosted over the past two summers at the Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs. The addition of this rink, combined with the recent Stanley Cup championship of the Florida Panthers, presents a unique opportunity to expand the talent pool in South Florida. "This is something that’s outside the box," former Panthers forward Peter Worrell, who works closely with youth hockey in the area, explained. "It’s giving them an opportunity to be different, not to conform to what society is telling you you’re supposed to do. That visibility is important for anybody, it gives people new avenues, new paths they can follow."
A Generational Impact
The impact of this synthetic rink extends beyond the immediate benefits for the students. There is a generational aspect to consider, as one person’s start on the synthetic surface could create a ripple effect within their family and community. "Hockey is a little bit of a cult," Worrell noted. "Once you get into it, you can’t get out. If we are creating two or three players in a family, we are creating five or six people who are going to like hockey going forward at the very least." The ripple effect of introducing hockey to a new generation could foster a lifelong love for the sport and contribute to its growth in the region.
A Day of Celebration and New Beginnings
The day culminated with the official cutting of the ribbon, marking the official opening of the synthetic ice rink. Lauderdale Lakes Mayor Barrington Russell, city commissioners, and community officials proclaimed Wednesday, February 12, 2025, as Anthony Duclair Day, recognizing Duclair’s contributions to the community. After the ceremony, Duclair took to the ice himself, along with a handful of volunteers, to test the new surface. His close friend and fellow Quebec native, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Boko Imama, was also present, engaging with the kids by feeding one-timers from the corner to the slot. The event was a celebration of community, sportsmanship, and the potential for a brighter future for South Florida’s youth. The seed has been planted, and the game of hockey has one more addition to its growing presence in the region.
