The Jacksonville Icemen have received goaltender Chase Wutzke from the Iowa Wild ahead of the start of the season. Wutzke was selected by the Minnesota Wild in the fifth round, 142nd overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. The Jacksonville Icemen are ECHL affiliates of the Minnesota Wild and Iowa Wild.
Wutzke, who is from Debden, Saskatchewan, played one game with the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League last season. It was his first professional hockey appearance. He also played six ECHL games with the Iowa Heartlanders, posting a 2-1-2 record, a 2.98 goals-against average and an .898 save percentage.
Wutzke Brings AHL and ECHL Experience
Wutzke is 20 years old and stands 6 feet 2 inches tall while weighing 161 pounds. He has five years of Canadian major-junior hockey experience with the Red Deer Rebels and the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League. His professional experience includes time at both the AHL and ECHL levels.
The Minnesota Wild selected Wutzke 142nd overall in the 2024 NHL Draft. His assignment to Jacksonville gives the Icemen a goaltender who has already appeared in the Iowa Wild organization and the ECHL with the Iowa Heartlanders. The available information does not include a Jacksonville roster number or a projected role.
Fourth Iowa Wild Player Assigned to Jacksonville
Wutzke is the fourth player the Iowa Wild have assigned to the Jacksonville Icemen ahead of the season. He joins forwards Drew Kuzma and Blake Biondi and defenseman Reilly Webb. The four assignments include a goaltender, two forwards and a defenseman.
Jacksonville Icemen Open 10th Anniversary Season Oct. 16
The Jacksonville Icemen will open their 10th Anniversary Season on October 16 at home in Jacksonville, Florida, against the South Carolina Stingrays. The source identifies the game as Jacksonville’s season opener. No game time or score is provided.
Wutzke’s assignment comes as the Jacksonville Icemen prepare for that home opener. The matchup will feature Jacksonville and the South Carolina Stingrays in ECHL hockey. The team’s 10th Anniversary Season begins with the October 16 home game.
FSB Take
Wutzke gives the Jacksonville Icemen an assigned goaltender with verified experience in the AHL and ECHL. His addition also marks the fourth Iowa Wild assignment to Jacksonville ahead of the season. The next confirmed event is the Icemen’s October 16 home opener against the South Carolina Stingrays.
Source: Original report