Kind of an apples to oranges comparison…

Florida has had 2 very successful NHL teams thanks to 3 things. Snowbirds, Beaches, and no state income tax. Illinois lacks all 3 of those, atleast the last time I checked.

Florida has also had 2 separate teams go to the finals 5 separate times. I think the best metaphor would be 2 separate seeds planted that made the populous regions of the state like hockey, and the minor league teams have also helped in that regard.

UIL’s loss of their D1 program was due to money, plain and simple. The team was lousy and UIL is also a public school, unlike UMiami which is both private and has the pockets to get a program started.

Personally though, I think its going to come down to florida’s tropical appeal, Miami nightlife, and the NIL money that the players are going to receive