Florence is buzzing again with the sound of hockey fans — and Raldex Hospitality is helping lead the charge. On October 7, the Florence-based hotel management company hosted a Meet & Greet at Staybridge Suites for Pee Dee IceCats fans, giving them their first chance to meet the players, grab merchandise, and allow season ticket holders to pick up their tickets. This was a celebration of the long-awaited return of professional hockey to the Pee Dee region.
The event was filled with laughter, photos, and hometown energy. FlavorTown Eats provided food for the players, while fans mingled with the team and shared memories of Florence’s former hockey days. For many, it felt like welcoming back an old friend.
“Partnering with the IceCats is a great opportunity to be part of something that benefits Florence as a whole,” said Chad Patterson, President and CEO of Raldex Hospitality. “Sports tourism keeps growing here, and the excitement of hockey can only help our local businesses and our sense of community.”
Raldex Hospitality’s five Florence-area hotels will serve as the official host properties for the Pee Dee IceCats and their visiting teams. The Hampton Inn & Suites Florence Center will be the home base for visiting players and referees throughout the season.
For Jane Wills, General Manager at the Hampton Inn & Suites and a lifelong hockey fan, it’s both a personal and professional thrill. “Seeing the excitement from our team and our guests brings me a real sense of pride,” she said. “We’ll always root for the IceCats first, but we love welcoming everyone who comes to town for the games. Every stay helps showcase what makes Florence special.”
That pride and excitement were on full display at the Meet & Greet. Kirby Anderson, Raldex’s Corporate Sales & Promotion Director, said the idea for the event came from a desire to connect fans and players beyond the rink. “When I met the team’s owner back in April, we talked about how important it was for fans to really get to know the players,” Anderson said. “It’s been 20 years since Florence had hockey, so this event was about celebrating that return together.”
Resident and real estate agent Julie Jebaily was among the first to grab season tickets. “I’m so excited for the energy of the crowd,” she said. “There’s something amazing about hearing everyone cheer together when the team scores. It’s wonderful to have that back in our community.”
For Raldex, this partnership is more than a business move — it’s a reflection of a company reconnecting with its community-driven roots. Under Patterson’s leadership, Raldex has renewed its focus on giving back and supporting local growth.
“We’re proud to showcase Florence’s hospitality to visitors and to remind our own neighbors what makes this city such a great place to live,” Patterson said. “The IceCats are part of that story now — and we’re thrilled to be a part of theirs.”
