City of Key West Installs New Mateflex III Modular Hockey Rink IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SOUTHERNMOST HOCKEY CLUB

KEY WEST, FL — The Southernmost Hockey Club in Key West, in partnership with the City of Key West, has officially upgraded its recreational inline hockey facilities with the installation of a high-performance Mateflex III inline hockey rink tile surface. This project, completed in December, provides the community with a premium quality, all-weather sports flooring solution.  This upgrade represents a significant investment in the island’s recreational infrastructure and the growing local hockey community.

The City of Key West selected Mateflex III modular tiles to replace the previously used asphalt surface. The primary objective was to install a durable hockey floor tile capable of handling heavy usage and rainfall while ensuring player safety and a high quality of play. 

Why Key West Chose Mateflex III for Inline Hockey

The decision was based on several key factors:

• Rapid Drainage: The flow-through grid design eliminates standing water, allowing the rink to dry as quickly as possible after rain.

• Equipment Protection: The smooth tile surface will reduce wear and tear on equipment like skate wheels, sticks, pucks, uniforms and goalie pads over time versus the bare concrete that was previously used.  The wear on these items amounts to thousands of dollars saved for players over the course of a single season.

• Vibrant Aesthetics: A custom color scheme that revitalizes the park’s overall appearance.
  
  

• Joint Protection: The patented flex-joint system provides lateral "give", reducing impact on skaters' knees and ankles and providing a smoother surface than bare asphalt.

• UV Stability: The surface is engineered to resist fading and warping in high-UV tropical environments.

Community Impact and Usage

The new rink serves as a hub for Key West youth hockey, adult leagues, and recreational skating. By investing in Mateflex modular sports flooring, the City of Key West has created a low-maintenance, 20-year-plus solution for local athletes. The rink is now open for organized league play and youth hockey clinics, the City invites all residents to bring their skates and experience the smoothest ride in the Keys.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Where is the new hockey rink in Key West? The rink is located at 1800 Bertha St, Key West, FL 33040 near Key West High School.

• What is the best surface for outdoor inline hockey in Florida? The Mateflex III tile is considered the premier choice due to its moisture-resistance, durability, and UV-stable properties.  The Mateflex III surface is an excellent choice for outdoor inline hockey in general as it is extremely flat and smooth, perfect for fast skating and smooth puck movement.

• Is the Key West hockey rink open to the public? To confirm rink availability, please contact the Southernmost Hockey Club ahead of your arrival.