A Glowing New Era for Hockey
Cosmic Sports, the company behind the popular black‑light baseball circuit, is taking its signature glow‑in‑the‑dark concept to the ice with a new venture called Cosmic Hockey. Founder Chris Martin describes the project as a family‑friendly, affordable spectacle that can attract both die‑hard hockey fans and newcomers who have never set foot on an arena floor.
The initiative is being steered by a seasoned trio: former AHL coach Chadd Cassidy, who brings deep playing and coaching expertise, and veteran marketer John Cimperman, whose track record includes scaling sports properties across North America. Together they are shaping a league that blends spectacle with practicality.
At the heart of the experience are reactive uniforms, equipment and pucks that light up under ultraviolet illumination, creating a neon‑filled rink that looks like a scene from a sci‑fi movie. The visual novelty is intended to be more than a gimmick; it also serves to heighten player visibility and fan engagement.
The inaugural season will open in two pilot markets: the historic Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid in December, followed by a January showcase in Toledo. Both venues are AHL‑ and ECHL‑compatible rinks that seat between 7,000 and 10,000 spectators, a size Martin says is ideal for testing demand before a broader rollout.
Organizers have already mapped out four to five additional cities for the first season and are evaluating a dozen potential markets nationwide. A training camp scheduled for October in Lake Placid will invite college and professional‑level players to audition, with open tryouts set for Boston and Buffalo this summer.
The response from the hockey community has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Martin, who notes that the shared technology and scheduling synergies with Cosmic Baseball will streamline operations and reduce costs. Tickets for the baseball tours are sold for $35 via a lottery system, a pricing model the hockey venture plans to mirror.
While private‑equity firms have expressed interest in backing the league, Martin says he is currently rejecting offers in order to preserve the venture’s independent, low‑cost ethos. The goal, he emphasizes, is to keep the experience accessible to families while building a sustainable brand.