The Jacksonville Icemen are welcoming some big names to the team’s ownership group.Former University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, current Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack and former Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive End Reggie Hayward are now part of the professional minor hockey league's ownership group.
Tebow, also a former NFL Denver Broncos and New York Jets quarterback, is currently signed to play with the New York Mets baseball organization.
“I simply love Jacksonville,” said Tebow, who bought a $2.99 million home in Jacksonville’s Glen Kernan Golf & Country Club last year, according to WJCT News partner The Jacksonville Daily Record.
“I am excited to be a part of this new endeavor with the Icemen. It is important to me to invest back into the community that has meant so much to me. I look forward to including and expanding the Icemen’s involvement in our Tim Tebow Foundation and other community initiatives,” he said.
The Icemen did not divulge any investment or contractual information surrounding the new ownership members.
“These latest additions to our team will help us extend our reach into the community and will further solidify the Icemen as Jacksonville’s team for many years to come,” said Icemen majority partner & CEO Andy Kaufmann in a news release.
Myles Jack is currently in his fifth NFL season as a linebacker for the Jaguars.
"Growing up I have been a part of progressive sports programs, but always from a player's perspective,” said Jack. “I now have the opportunity to have ownership in a great team here in Jacksonville."
Reggie Hayward played nine NFL seasons as a defensive end split between the Jaguars and Broncos.
"After my NFL retirement, my family decided to settle here in Jacksonville,“ said Hayward. “My family is proud to say we are now partners in a team that in three short years has provided thousands with entertainment and has done so much for our community.”
The Icemen are the ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets and AHL’s Manitoba Moose.
The Icemen are scheduled to play their home opener with limited capacity seating at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday, Dec. 12, at 7 p.m. against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Bill Bortzfield can be reached at bbortzfield@wjct.org or on Twitter at @BortzInJax.
