The average high temperature in the Tampa Bay area during the month of January is 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Water freezes at 32 degrees, of course, so logic dictates that ice skating as a recreational pursuit is out of the question in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater and surrounding communities. Right?

Wrong, actually. Fans of the National Hockey League know that the Tampa Bay area is home to the 2004 Stanley Cup champion Lightning, who began play in 1992 and have built a loyal following in the region. The growth of the Lightning fan base coincided with a virtual boom of interest in ice skating, particularly recreational hockey. What it means for those inclined to strap on the skates is that the area is home to a surprisingly large number of arenas and rinks. A partial list of the most popular Tampa Bay area ice skating facilities can be found below.

Brandon Ice Sports Forum

Perhaps the most impressive ice rink in the Tampa Bay area – at least in terms of skaters – is the Brandon Ice Sports Forum. Located at 10222 Elizabeth Place in Brandon, it serves as the practice arena for the Lightning when they can’t work out at the Tampa Bay Times Forum in downtown Tampa. The Brandon Ice Sports Forum offers public skating, classes for beginners, and a course called Hockey 101 for those interested in trying their hand at the fastest sport on ice.

Clearwater Ice Arena

This rink has been around since 1987, making it one of the oldest in the area. It offers public skating, adult hockey leagues, skating classes for beginners and hockey camps for kids. It is located at 13940 Icot Boulevard in Clearwater.

Tampa Bay Skating Academy Oldsmar

This is Florida’s first twin ice rink and is home to the Tampa Bay Skating Club and the Central Florida Hockey League. The facility is among the most complete in the state, with a cafe, a full-service skating pro shop, two NHL regulation rinks, Slapshots Bar & Grill, and more. They offer skating instruction, public skating, hockey instruction, and learner hockey leagues for adults and kids. It is located at 255 Forest Lakes Boulevard in Oldsmar, north of Tampa and Clearwater.

Tampa Bay Skating Academy Countryside

It is, perhaps, one of the most startling sights in all of Florida retail – a full-size ice skating rink right in the middle of a mall. Yet, there it is, complete with spectator viewing areas on the first and second floors, public skating, classes, and family skating fun all year long. On special occasions, look for shows put on by spectacular precision drill teams in colorful costumes. The Westfield Countryside Mall is located on U.S. 19 just north of Clearwater.

Other Ice Skating Facilities in the Tampa Bay Area

There are a few other options for those who love to ice skate. During the holidays, the city of Tampa creates a family-friendly ice skating rink at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park downtown. Just a short drive south near Bradenton, adjacent to the Ellenton Premium Outlets shopping plaza, is the Ellenton Ice Rink. It is known for its distinctive igloo shape, complete with a hockey player sculpture breaking through the fa