Oceanside’s Frontwave Arena is already home to San Diego’s minor-league basketball, soccer and football teams.
Soon, the arena will host some hockey, too.
A new Federal Prospects Hockey League team will begin playing at the 18-month-old arena in October, with a formal announcement expected Tuesday. The first game lines up with Frontwave’s installation of permanent ice, which is set for the fall.
Entering its 17th season, the FPHL is an independent, low-level minor league with franchises located mostly in America’s northeast and southeast. The new franchise will be owned by San Diego Sockers boss Phil Salvagio, who is also a co-owner of the arena.
“The FPHL is excited to partner with Frontwave Arena as we expand into North County,” said Don Kirnan, commissioner of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. “This collaboration reflects the kind of strategic growth we value as a league, aligning with strong partners who are committed to building the game at every level. We look forward to seeing this market embrace professional hockey and the positive impact it will have on the local sports community, youth development, and fan experience.”
Frontwave is home to the G League’s San Diego Clippers, the minor-league affiliate of the Los Angeles Clippers; the Major Arena Soccer League’s Sockers, who last week captured their recird 17th indoor soccer championship; and the Indoor Football League’s San Diego Strike Force.
The FPHL season runs from October until May. This year’s best-of-five Commissioner’s Cup Finals between the Pee Dee IceCats of South Carolina and the Binghamton (N.Y.) Black Bears tipped off last week and continues with Game 3 on Friday.