Ice Hockey in Jacksonville

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By: Terri Ahern, OTR/L

Hey Hockey Fans!!!  Good news!  Jacksonville has a professional Ice Hockey Team.  The Jacksonville Icemen have hit the ice for the past 4 seasons.

The Icemen are part of the ECHL, formerly known as the East Coast Hockey League. The ECHL is considered a mid-level minor league. Also, the Icemen are affiliated with the Winnipeg Jets of the National Hockey League (NHL). 

The Icemen play their games at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena.

How Do You Play Ice Hockey?

Ice hockey is a contact sport played indoors or outdoors. It involves two teams of six players on ice skates using their sticks to shoot a rubber puck into their opponent’s net to score a goal. Each team typically has on the ice: 

  • one goaltender 
  • two defensive players
  • two wingmen 
  • one center 

Ice hockey is a fast-paced game with physical contact. Ice hockey is played worldwide from the recreational level of play to professional teams. Ice hockey is also an Olympic Sport.  

You can play ice hockey at The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex
 

Ice hockey has been popular in Canada and the northern United States for well over 100 years. However, it has gained popularity in the southern United States over the last 30 years. The NHL began to expand its franchises into southern states in the 1990s. The availability of ice rinks has increased significantly since that time.

Where Can You Play Ice Hockey?  

The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex is on Philips Highway and Emerson Street in the Spring Park area. It has been open since 1993. They offer public skating, skating lessons, and hockey leagues. 

Recently, the Iceman announced plans to develop the Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex as Iceman Igloo. This will include two ice rinks, a training center, a retail store, and restaurants. This facility will draw youth recreational and college tournaments.

What Are Some Common Ice Hockey Injuries?

Ice hockey is a hard-hitting, fast-paced sport with players of different sizes and speeds. This can result in sports-related injuries. The most common injuries from Ice hockey include: 

Some of the common causes for ice hockey injuries include the impact from:

  • players
  • rigid boards and goal posts
  • pucks
  • skate blades
  • hockey sticks.

Can Ice Hockey Injuries Be Prevented?

Hockey exercise programs should include on-ice and off-ice training
 
 

To prevent Ice hockey injuries, well-designed strengthening and conditioning programs can help prevent common injuries. Hockey exercise programs should include on-ice and off-ice training. Off-ice training programs should focus on: 

  • Stretching
  • Balance drills
  • Core strength
  • Aerobic exercise 
    • ex: running and elliptical/stair climber (help to build endurance)
  • Box jumping (for explosive leg strength)
  • Lateral jumping program (to improve overall balance)

Concussions are an injury that has received increased attention across numerous sports. Concussion diagnosis and treatment can be critical. 

“For an athlete suffering from a concussion, it is important to seek the assistance of an appropriate health care provider who is knowledgeable with the management of concussions and their return to sport”, states Dr. Michael Yorio. He is at the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute in San Marco.

Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute

Dr. Michael A Yorio is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine and Sports Medicine MD. Currently, he is a team physician for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He stays active playing ice hockey, tennis, and golf.

To schedule an appointment for physical therapy at JOI Rehab, please call 904-858-7045.

Helpful links:
JOI sports medicine
JOI concussion center

Need to book an appointment? Call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online, or click the button below!

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