South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Worrell has a new role within team
Former Florida Panthers enforcer Peter Worrell, who accumulated more than 1,500 penalty minutes in his NHL career, has been named hockey director of the team’s IceDen in Coral Springs.
In his new role, Worrell will oversee youth and adult hockey programs at the IceDen — the official practice facility of the Florida Panthers. He also will be responsible for the direction, administration, management, supervision and marketing of the facility.
“A fan favorite from his time with the Panthers, he has been a pillar of the South Florida hockey community since playing his first NHL game,” Panthers President & CEO Matthew Caldwell said in a statement. “Following the end of his playing career, he has served as a coach at youth, prep school and collegiate levels. We look forward to Peter’s contributions to our hockey programs at the Panthers IceDen as we continue to grow the game in our territory.”
The 41-year-old Worrell, who was known for his strong punches and tough demeanor during his sevenyear career, spent the
2018-19 season as an assistant coach with the Fayetteville Marksmen of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Before that, he served as head coach for Florida Atlantic University (ACHA Div. III) and North Broward Preparatory School.
Worrell, a native of Pierrefonds, Quebec, was drafted by the Panthers in the seventh round in 1995. He played in 342 regularseason games for Florida
(1997-2003) before ending his career with the Colorado Avalanche in 2004.
Max Ortolani, the former hockey director of the IceDen, will now serve as elite hockey director of the facility. In that position, Ortolani will oversee youth hockey projects, while focusing on the growth of youth hockey in South Florida.
Additionally, James Haverstrom has been named IceDen manager of youth hockey operations.