ECHL: Jacksonville Icemen Re-Sign Matt Vernon

Andrew Fielder/InsideTheRink

The Jacksonville Icemen have announced that they have re-signed goaltender Matt Vernon for the 2023-24 season. Vernon, 26, returns to Jacksonville after a very strong rookie season with the Icemen, where he put up a 25-10-3 record with a 2.67 GAA, .909SV%, and one shutout; his strong play continued into the Kelly Cup Playoffs, where he went 3-3-1 with a 2.10 GAA, .928SV%, and two shutouts as the Icemen would lose to the Florida Everblades in the opening round. The San Jose, California native would be named to the ECHL All-Rookie and ECHL Second All-Star Teams. After the team signed Justin Close last week, Vernon’s signing now gives the Icemen two goaltenders on ECHL contracts. Matt Vernon is the son of former NHL Goaltender Mike Vernon, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2023.

Heading into next season, expect the Icemen to start the year with Micheal Houser and Vernon, as Houser will likely be sent to Jacksonville. The Rochester Americans will likely begin the season with Devon Levi and Felix Sandstrom.

Photo Credit: Andrew Fielder for Inside The Rink

Prior to going to joining the Icemen, Vernon spent two years in the NAHL with the Aberdeen Wings, including a 40-win season in 2018-19. He led the Wings to a Robertson Cup Championship, where he would take home Goaltender of the Year and be named the Robertson Cup MVP in 2019. He played his collegiate hockey at Colorado College, where he played four seasons, picking up 19 wins while putting up a 3.02 GAA and .901SV%. He would sign his first pro contract with the Reading Royals at the end of the 2022-23 season and played two games in Reading before signing with Jacksonville in the off-season.

insidetherink.com/join-us

Discover more from Inside The Rink

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Armand Klisivitch

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor Credentialed Reporter for the Adirondack Thunder & Worcester Railers.

Leave a Reply

ECHL: Ryan Mahshie Staying With Worcester Railers for 2025-26

The Worcester Railers have announced that they’ve signed forward Ryan Mahshie for the 2025-26 season. Mahshie, 26, spent the 2024-25 season with the Orlando Solar Bears, Allen Americans, and Worcester Railers. He would put up four goals and four assists for eight points in 62 games. He had three goals and four assists for seven […]

Read More

Booster Clubs: The Unsung Heroes Of Minor League Hockey

Fans play a major role in the lower levels of professional hockey—especially in the ECHL and SPHL. One of the best examples of that passion is the annual “Jamboree,” where Booster Clubs from both leagues come together to connect and celebrate. In 2025, the Atlanta Gladiators Booster Club hosted the event at The Westin Atlanta/Duluth, […]

Read More

ECHL: Kobe Walker Heads Overseas

Wichita Thunder forward Kobe Walker is heading overseas to Denmark to join the Aalborg Pirates after finishing his first full season in the ECHL. In 68 games last year, the 27-year-old forward put up 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in 68 games. Kobe Walker and Jay Dickman would lead the Thunder with […]

Read More