The Winnipeg Jets have renewed their partnership with the Jacksonville Icemen for the 2019-20 season, once again giving them an ECHL affiliate to help develop their prospects. The teams have been partnered for the last two seasons. Head coach Jason Christie has also been given a multi-year extension, keeping him in the Jets organization.
The Icemen—not to be confused with the ICE, the new junior hockey team in Winnipeg—made the ECHL playoffs last season after a 36-32-4 record in the regular season but were ousted quickly in round one. Like most other low minor teams, they housed several journeymen and plenty of raw prospects looking to develop their skills. Notably on the team was goaltender Mikhail Berdin, who is on his entry-level contract with the Jets after being selected in the 2016 draft. The ECHL is often a place for the organization’s goaltending prospects, giving them a chance to get game action against professionals on a nightly basis.
Christie meanwhile returns for his seventh season as the ECHL coach for Winnipeg, and is the all-time leader in league wins. He is still looking for his first Kelly Cup championship however, something the Icemen will try to bring home in 2020.
Geographically it makes sense…