Story by: Malorie Aldrich 

Hockey, the calm yet energetic sport, has existed since 1875. However, Jacksonville’s interest in hockey remained low until 2016, when the Icemen first came to the city. Then Jacksonville’s interest in hockey skyrocketed. Once the icemen opened the doors to their new practice facility in 2023, the Community First Igloo, the number of youth hockey teams in Jacksonville increased drastically. 

With the Icemen’s help, many members of the community have come out to coach, volunteer, or participate in the hockey leagues. As for the Icemen’s youth hockey teams, the Junior Icemen and Jacksonville Lunas, they practice and play their games at the Igloo in the same place the Icemen practice and prepare for games. 

The Junior Icemen and Lunas also get recognized on team spotlight nights during the Icemen’s home games. On those nights, the Icemen highlight the Junior Icemen and Lunas by having them ride the fan Zamboni during intermission. 

Although the Icemen’s arrival has helped foster many exciting memories for Jacksonville’s youth hockey scene, the players’ involvement in practice has had a greater impact on the youth hockey teams. Occasionally, after practice, the Icemen’s players will join the youth practices. They spend time together and have fun with the kids while helping to improve the kids’ hockey skills. 

When asked about the players involvement in practice, Junior Icemen Corbyn Cadey said, “they have been very helpful, and it’s very fun to work with them.” 

Even though the Icemen have not been in Jacksonville for long, their influence on the hockey scene has left a massive impact for many years to come. To find more information on the Icemen’s hockey leagues or on how-to sign up, visit communityfirstigloo.com/hockey.