WINNIPEG – The Winnipeg Jets have a new ECHL affiliate for their prospects.
The Jets announced a new partnership with the ECHL’s Jacksonville IceMen on Thursday. The Icemen are returning to the league after a one-year hiatus. They were formerly known as the Evansville IceMen before re-locating and were previously an affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. Jacksonville was awarded membership back in February.
“The commitment the IceMen ownership has to winning on and off the ice has been unquestioned.” Senior Vice President & Director of Hockey Operations/Assistant General Manager Craig Heisinger said in a statement.
“We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with their Head Coach Jason Christie and look forward to him continuing to coach our prospects, as well as add to his ECHL record as the winningest coach in ECHL history.”
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Last season the Jets’ ECHL affiliate was the Tulsa Oilers. Christie was Tulsa’s head coach but has since been appointed as Jacksonville’s first head coach.
“We are excited to launch our team with the Winnipeg organization.” IceMen President Bob Ohrablo said in a statement.
“In addition to a strong commitment to development, the Winnipeg organization has successful ties to our Vice President of Hockey Operations/Head Coach Jason Christie, who has been integral in player development for both the Jets and Moose in the past while accumulating the winningest coaching record in ECHL history.”
Last season nine players played for both Tulsa and the Manitoba Moose. The Jets were also previously affiliated with the Ontario Reign.
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