Jacksonville Icemen

Frequently Asked Questions

What team is the Jacksonville Icemen affiliated with?

The Jacksonville Icemen are affiliated with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres. This partnership, established ahead of the 2023-2024 season, designates the Icemen as the official ECHL affiliate of the Sabres. In addition, the Icemen are also affiliated with the AHL's Rochester Americans, Buffalo's primary minor league development team. This dual affiliation allows players to move between the ECHL, AHL, and NHL, providing opportunities for player development and advancement. The affiliation brings top-tier coaching, training resources, and player assignments from the Sabres, strengthening the Icemen's roster and competitiveness in the ECHL. Fans in Jacksonville benefit from seeing future NHL prospects and enjoying a higher caliber of play, as the organization works closely with its major league partner to develop talent and foster hockey growth in Northeast Florida.

How much do Jacksonville Icemen hockey players get paid?

Jacksonville Icemen hockey players' salaries are aligned with standard ECHL compensation. Most ECHL players, including those on the Icemen roster, earn between $500 and $1,000 per week during the regular season. The league minimum for the 2023-2024 season is $550 per week, while veterans may earn slightly more, with some top players or those on NHL/AHL contracts earning higher amounts through signing bonuses or two-way deals. ECHL teams also typically provide housing and some meal allowances, but overall pay is modest compared to NHL or AHL levels. The league is considered a developmental step, so players often prioritize professional experience and career advancement over high salaries. Playing for the Jacksonville Icemen offers athletes a platform to showcase their skills and work toward higher-level opportunities in professional hockey.

Who are the Icemen a farm team for?

The Jacksonville Icemen are a farm team for the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL. As the official ECHL affiliate, the Icemen serve as a developmental stepping stone within the Sabres' hockey system. Players assigned to Jacksonville from the Sabres or their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans, can refine their skills and gain valuable professional experience. This farm team relationship benefits all organizations involved, allowing young prospects and rehabbing players to get ice time and coaching tailored to their development needs. The Buffalo Sabres closely monitor and support their prospects in Jacksonville, ensuring a strong pipeline of talent flows upward. This affiliation not only boosts the competitive level of the Icemen but also provides fans with a glimpse of future NHL talent in action at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

What is the ECHL team in Jacksonville?

The ECHL team in Jacksonville is the Jacksonville Icemen. Competing in the ECHL's South Division, the Icemen play their home games at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Since joining the league in the 2017-2018 season, the Icemen have quickly established themselves as a staple of Jacksonville's sports scene, attracting passionate hockey fans and families alike. The team's presence has helped grow the sport of hockey in Northeast Florida, offering affordable, exciting professional hockey and opportunities for community involvement. As members of the ECHL, which serves as a major developmental league for the NHL and AHL, the Jacksonville Icemen regularly feature players on the path to higher levels of professional hockey, making each game a showcase of emerging talent.

Who are the Jacksonville Icemen affiliated with?

The Jacksonville Icemen are affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and the Rochester Americans of the AHL. This dual affiliation, announced prior to the 2023-2024 season, means the Icemen function as the ECHL development partner for both higher-level teams. The Buffalo Sabres utilize the Icemen to develop their prospects, providing resources, players, and support to enhance the Jacksonville roster. Additionally, the Rochester Americans, as the AHL affiliate of the Sabres, send players to the Icemen for further development or recovery from injury. This strong organizational connection ensures a steady flow of talent and promotes player advancement through the professional hockey ranks, benefiting the Icemen, their fans, and the broader hockey community in Jacksonville.