#GrowingSupport Playoff Beard History & Rules

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry along with the Icemen kicked off the 2019 Kelly Cup Playoffs with the #GrowingSupport inititive, asking fans and residents to grow their playoff beards to show support for the Icemen.   Mayor Curry announced that he has already begun growing his beard to show his support for the Icemen.  Fans are encouraged to share their beard photos on social media throughout the Kelly Cup Playoffs using the hashtag #GrowingSupport

The following is information regarding the rules to gowing a playoff beard! 

History & Background:  The playoff beard is a tradition in modern day sports for teams competing in the playoffs. The beard represents unity and a symbol for victories. The hockey playoff beard originated in the 1980’s by former New York Islanders standout Butch Goring. Since then, the playoff beard has been fully embraced by all levels of hockey.  We are asking the great City of Jacksonville in joining the Icemen in growing playoff beards, in what we call #GrowingSupport.  The following are a few guidelines. 

• As soon as the regular season ends, you must begin growing your beard.  The regular season is over, so today is the day!   
• The traditional playoff beard is never shaved, groomed or trimmed. However, there are exceptions, as long as the following rules are practiced:   
• Shaving the beard during the playoffs is completely against the rules.  
• Trimming and grooming your beard is acceptable, but ONLY after a loss.  This rule follows the true superstition behind the beard.  For example, if the team loses a game during a playoff series, you may trim the beard in order to improve the team’s luck in the next game.  However, you never trim or make modifications to the beard during a win streak.    
• An itchy beard is never an excuse to shave it.  Nor is its general appearance.  You must commit to the process.  Players do interviews, appear on talk shows and even attend weddings regardless the condition of their beard.  You can make the same sacrifice.  
• If the team wins and continues to advance to the next round, the beard stays.  Plain and simple.  Playoff beards possess a unique magic, and you don’t want to be the reason that magic disappears.  
• If the team wins it all, the beard stays through the entire celebration process.  
• In the event the team is eliminated from the playoffs, you must shave the beard immediately.  Even if the beard “grew on you” and you got attached to it, you still must shave it. It was not a lucky beard, it must go.  
• Women are encouraged to create and design their own beards to wear to games!  
• Finally, embrace the beard, and enjoy the ride that is playoff hockey!

The following is a complete listing of the best-of-seven series:#1 Florida Everblades vs, #4 Jacksonville Icemen

Game 1:  Thursday, April 11, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Hertz Arena)Game 2:  Saturday, April 13, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:00 p.m. (Hertz Arena)

Game 3:  Thursday, April 18, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena)

Game 4:  Friday, April 19, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena)

Game 5:  Saturday, April 20, Florida at Jacksonville, 7:00 p.m. (Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena) **

Game 6:  Monday, April 22, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Hertz Arena) **Game 7:  Wednesday, April 24, Jacksonville at Florida, 7:30 p.m. (Hertz Arena) ****If Necessary

Broadcast Information: Fans can catch all Icemen playoff game broadcasts on Mixlr, and on ECHL.TV. 

The 2018-19 Jacksonville Icemen Season is Presented by Community First Credit Union

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