With the addition of left wingers Garet Hunt (5’9”, 190) and Emerson Clark (5’10”, 180), the Jacksonville Icemen have officially secured enforcers for their inaugural 2017 season.
Enforcers are seen typically as the “tough guys” on the ice. While fulfilling their usual role of trying to score, they are also played strategically to instill fear in the other team with their hard hits, aggressive playing style, and most importantly - fights.
Fighting is inevitable in a sport like hockey, which requires a unique level of physicality. Due to the fast-paced, rough nature of the game, fighting is allowed in certain circumstances. They often break out if referees miss calls or if an opposing player crosses the line and hits another player a little too hard - then, it’s time to take matters into their own hands.
Enforcers are important because they take on the role of defending the team if any foul-play breaks out. They also have the responsibility of rallying the team by dropping the gloves if they’re looking for a reason to get pumped up.
Garet Hunt is a veteran enforcer in the ECHL, who has accumulated 2,177 penalty minutes in 565 games. Throughout his professional career, he has become popular among fans, who enjoy Hunt’s rugged nature. He has been in the league since 2008, and will now defend his new team alongside newly-signed winger Emerson Clark.
(Quote from Hunt here. What does being an enforcer mean to you?)
Emerson Clark has taken on this role before in his hockey career, racking up 746 penalty minutes during his time in the ECHL with the Toledo Walleye, Greenville Road Warriors, and Tulsa Oilers over the past 4 years. The Whitby, Ontario native now joins the Jacksonville Icemen to bring a sense of security to his fellow teammates.
(Quote here?) (Q: What do you hope to bring to this new Jacksonville team?)
(Quote from coach)
Hunt and Clark will play together as Icemen for the first time on October 14 at 7:30 p.m. at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena against an in-state rival - the Orlando Solar Bears.
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