The Jacksonville Icemen agreed to terms with defenseman Joey Berkopec of the Evansville Thunderbolts and announced the return of defenseman Reilly Webb from the Iowa Wild. Berkopec, 27, is making his first call-up to the ECHL. Webb was recalled by Iowa earlier in the week and has played in both of Jacksonville’s games this year.
Berkopec brings Evansville experience
Berkopec recorded 23 points, including four goals and 19 assists, in 58 SPHL games last season. He is a two-time President’s Cup Champion with the Evansville Thunderbolts and posted a plus-8 rating during the regular season. He also recorded a plus-10 plus-minus rating in the playoffs.
The Oakville, Ontario, native is listed at 6 feet 1 inch and 190 pounds. Before joining Jacksonville, Berkopec played for the Macon Mayhem of the SPHL. He also spent three years at Utica University in NCAA Division III.
The Jacksonville Icemen are an ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Minnesota Wild and the AHL’s Iowa Wild. Berkopec’s agreement gives him his first opportunity in the ECHL. Jacksonville’s 10th Anniversary season is underway.
Webb returns from Iowa Wild recall
Webb returned to the Jacksonville Icemen after his recall to the Iowa Wild earlier in the week. The defenseman has appeared in both of Jacksonville’s games this year. His return was announced alongside Berkopec’s agreement.
Jacksonville Icemen home schedule
The Jacksonville Icemen are scheduled to host the Atlanta Gladiators on Saturday, Oct. 31, at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The Halloween game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. ET start. Atlanta will visit Jacksonville for the matchup.
Jacksonville will host the Savannah Ghost Pirates on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10:30 a.m. ET at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena. The game is designated as a School Day Game. The Florida Everblades are scheduled to visit Jacksonville on Friday, Nov. 6, with the puck scheduled to drop at 7 p.m. ET.
FSB Take
The Jacksonville Icemen added Berkopec after his two-title run with the Evansville Thunderbolts and his first ECHL call-up. The team also regained Webb after his brief move to the Iowa Wild. Jacksonville’s next three listed home games are against the Atlanta Gladiators, Savannah Ghost Pirates and Florida Everblades at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.
Source: Original report