In 2021, the Jacksonville Icemen were chosen to host the 2022 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic weekend. With the team coming into their 5th season, it was a great honor. The ECHL is the Premier AA Hockey League. The league is currently in its 34th season and is home to 27 teams in 20 states and two Canadian provinces.
The weekend began with Fan Fest at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena and ended with the Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic game at the arena. It was a weekend full of fun and hockey and we had the great opportunity to play a large part in it.
Sunday’s Fan Fest brought the Jacksonville hockey community together for a day of family fun. Guests began by being able to ice skate on the Icemen rink, presented by Mugwump Productions. It was an amazing time seeing families and friends either trying to keep their balance or being a pro on the rink.
While waiting for their turn on the ice, fans could hang out with some hot cocoa in the Mugwump Productions Winter Wonderland lounge. White pipe and drape transformed the room into a chic, wintry space.
Continuing their way through the arena, fans got to walk through the Icemen locker room on a Mugwump Productions tour. Lucky fans were some of the first to see the Icemen’s new All-Star jerseys.
Making their way upstairs, the Hockey Hall of Fame had several exhibits, highlighting the history of the game. Fans got to see memorabilia from so many of their favorite teams. The exhibit led the way to a photo op with the one and only, Stanley Cup!
Fans lined up for a chance to see, touch and take selfies with this piece of hockey history. For so many, it was a dream come true.
Monday night’s All-Star game was played differently than a normal game. Periods 1 and 2 were 24-minute running clocks 5v5 while period 3 was a 20-minute running clock 3v3. In between each period, Mugwump Productions presented Skills Competitions which included Fastest Skater, Hardest Shot, and Accuracy. The winning team of each competition would then be awarded 1 extra point.
Our Icemen won all three competitions!
After the game, our very own marketing director, Victoria Staszewski, had the opportunity to get on the ice and present the skills competition winners with trophies alongside Icemen team president Bob Ohrablo.
We are proud to have been able to participate in this community event and to be able to take part in bringing hockey to Jacksonville!
