Jacksonville Icemen Secure Multi-Year Affiliation Deal With NHL's Minnesota Wild

The Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League (NHL) has signed a multi-year ECHL affiliation agreement with the Jacksonville Icemen, set to begin with the 2026-27 season. Under the new partnership, the Icemen will serve as a developmental resource for both the Minnesota Wild and its primary American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Iowa Wild.

The agreement allows the Wild to assign prospects to Jacksonville for development throughout the season. Minnesota Wild Executive Vice President and General Manager Bill Guerin stated that the affiliation strengthens the organization's commitment to player development while expanding its reach into a growing market. Joe Ernst, Vice President of Hockey Operations for Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, expressed excitement about building a collaborative relationship that benefits players and fans across Minnesota, Iowa, and Jacksonville.

The Icemen, owned by Zawyer Sports, began playing in the 2017-18 season and were previously affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester Americans. The team plays its home games at the 15,000-seat VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, which opened in November 2003. According to team data, the franchise has led the ECHL in sellouts over the past four seasons.