On Wednesday, the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL announced the return of two players to the roster for the upcoming 2023-24 season. Forward Chris Grando and defensemen Julian Kislin will rejoin the Icemen, becoming the second and third player to sign with Jacksonville for next season after the team locked up veteran Matheson Iacopelli in June. Both players are heading into their first full professional season with the Icemen, as both signed with the team in March after wrapping up their collegiate playing careers.
Chris Grando signed with the team in the spring after three full seasons at Arizona State University. Prior to his time at ASU, Grando played two seasons for Boston College. Grando appeared in 15 games last season for the Icemen, registering four goals and five assists during that time.
Defenseman Julian Kislin completed his collegiate career at Sacred Heart University and played one game with the South Carolina Stingrays before joining the Icemen in March. Before his time in the ECHL and at Sacred Heart, Kislin played four seasons with Northeastern University. The blueliner played nine games last year in an Icemen uniform, collecting four assists. He also made 10 postseason appearances for the Icemen, contributing two assists during the Icemen’s playoff run.
Grando and Kislin will be back in action with the Icemen when the season starts on October 21st.
