ECHL: Jacksonville Ink Garrett Van Wyhe for 2025–26

The Jacksonville Icemen are bringing back a familiar face for the 2025–26 campaign, re-signing forward Garrett Van Wyhe to a standard player contract. The 28-year-old center has proven himself as a steady contributor and trusted presence up the middle across his last two seasons in Jacksonville.

Consistent Two-Way Production

Van Wyhe appeared in 53 regular-season games during the 2024–25 season, posting 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points, a +9 rating, and 55 penalty minutes. He added three assists in four playoff games, playing key minutes on both sides of special teams and continuing to show up in high-pressure moments.

The 2023–24 season marked a breakout year for the Seattle native, where he logged 19 goals and 16 assists for 35 points in 70 games, finishing with an impressive +15 rating. Van Wyhe also chipped in two points during a seven-game playoff run.

Across two full seasons with the Icemen, Van Wyhe has totaled 69 points in 123 games, establishing himself as a dependable two-way forward who plays a smart, physical game and brings consistency night in and night out.

Previous Stops and Pro Career Growth

Before arriving in Jacksonville, Van Wyhe split time between the Adirondack Thunder and Fort Wayne Komets during the 2022–23 season. He tallied 16 points in 37 games with the Komets and added six points in 22 games with the Thunder. He also contributed two points in five playoff games for Fort Wayne that year.

His journey through the ECHL has been one of steady progression, with each stop, he earned larger roles and more ice time. Prior to turning pro, Van Wyhe had a brief one-game call-up with the Utica Comets in the AHL.

Wolverine Roots: Four Years at Michigan

A product of the University of Michigan, Van Wyhe played 135 NCAA games over four seasons (2018–2022), where he earned a reputation for grit, faceoff reliability, and shutdown ability. He posted 12 goals and 21 assists during his college career and was a staple in the Wolverines’ lineup.

What Van Wyhe Brings Back to Jacksonville

Standing at 6’2” and 201 pounds, Van Wyhe is a left-shot center who offers physicality, responsible play, and strong work ethic. He’s shown the ability to play in all situations—power play, penalty kill, and late-game matchups—and will continue to be a valuable asset to the Icemen’s forward group.

Looking Ahead

Van Wyhe is the latest returning piece for the Icemen, joining team captain Christopher Brown, who also re-signed for the 2025–26 season. Brown and Van Wyhe were key pieces in Jacksonville’s forward group last year and will be counted on again to provide leadership and consistency.

The Icemen open their home schedule on Thursday, November 7, when they host the Atlanta Gladiators at 7:00 p.m. at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. They’ll be back on home ice the following night, Friday, November 8, to take on the South Carolina Stingrays. With a strong veteran core already taking shape, Jacksonville will look to build early momentum in front of their fans.