Former Panthers Enforcer Enjoying Coaching Local Youngsters
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CORAL SPRINGS (CBSMiami) – Former Florida Panthers winger Peter Worrell has gone from enforcer to gentle giant, teaching kids as young as four years old how to play the game of hockey.
"That was my job and that was what I was asked to do," says Worrell when CBS 4 asked why he was such a brawler on the ice.
But now the 6-foot-7 coach has dropped that imposing persona. He not only participates in the Panthers' "Try Hockey for Free" clinics, but he also coaches club hockey at Florida Atlantic University.
Click here to watch Michael Cugno's report.
"When you see that kid put the puck in (the net) for the first time and they get that big P.K. Subban-type celebration going… it's fun to watch," he said with a smile.
Worrell was with the Panthers organization from 1997 to 2003 and after his playing days ended, he decided to take up a permanent residence in the region.
"I believe in this area, I believe in these kids, and I like wearing flip-flops."
The "Try Hockey for Free" program spans 4 counties – Miami-Dade, Broward, Lee, and Palm Beach. It allows kids ages four to ten to get expert coaching from Panthers alumni and staff.
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