The recent NHL STREET tournament held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, introduced the island’s first youth street‑hockey competition in Latin America and the Caribbean, marking a milestone for the sport’s expansion in the region.
Created by the National Hockey League, the STREET league offers affordable, neighborhood‑based programs for children aged six to sixteen, using modified equipment and community venues to lower barriers to participation.
The Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association (PRIHA), the governing body behind the event, has been laying the groundwork for hockey in the territory for years, running inline leagues such as Liga Boricua and floor‑hockey curricula in three local schools under the ‘Palos en Manos’ program.
A Local Talent Pipeline
PRIHA’s national and women’s squads have already tasted success on the international stage, capturing championship titles in the Amerigol LATAM Cup and medaling at the IIHF Women’s 3X3 Series, which helped secure Puerto Rico’s status as an IIHF associate member in 2022.
The tournament’s organization was bolstered by financial and logistical support from the NHL and the NHL Players’ Association through the Industry Growth Fund, a partnership that has been fostering grassroots hockey since 2013.
Scott Vargas, president of PRIHA, highlighted the tournament as a catalyst for long‑term development, noting that the closure of the Aguadilla Ice Skating Arena after Hurricane Maria has spurred renewed efforts to secure funding for a permanent ice rink.
Beyond competition, organizers envision a sustainable ecosystem that engages youth, builds community ties, and positions Puerto Rico as a replicable model for hockey growth throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.