Popeye Jones, a former NBA player, reflects on his early experiences with hockey while in Dallas during the 1993-94 season. Once a rookie with the Mavericks, attending a Dallas Stars game opened his eyes to the fast-paced world of hockey, which he initially struggled to understand. Over the years, the landscape of hockey has shifted dramatically in the South, with NHL teams now thriving in regions once deemed non-traditional markets.

Jones’s sons, Seth Jones, now a defenseman with the Florida Panthers, and Caleb Jones, who has played for several teams, embody this transformation. Seth is currently making waves in the Stanley Cup Final, showcasing the growth and popularity of youth hockey in Southern states. NHL teams such as the Panthers, Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes have solidified their presence in the South, drawing in enthusiastic crowds and fostering grassroots participation in the sport.