IceMen Ink First Veteran
August 14, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
Jacksonville Icemen News Release
Jacksonville, FL - The Jacksonville Icemen, proud affiliate of the NHL Winnipeg Jets and AHL Manitoba Moose, today announced the return of veteran forward Wacey Rabbit.
The 5-foot-9, 181-pound forward started last season in Jacksonville before heading overseas to play in Dukla Jihlava (Czech Extraliga). Rabbit skated in 17 Czech games recording 5 points (2G, 3A). The 31-year-old vet has spent several seasons overseas in his career including stints in Croatia, Norway, Italy, and Japan.
"We only saw Wacey a short time last year, but he's a guy that just commands respect in the locker room. He plays hard, and he's ready to go each and every night," said coach Jason Christie.
The Lethbridge, Alberta native was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2005 NHL Draft (round 5, pick 154) and spent the following three seasons with the club's AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. Rabbit has played in 309 AHL games between Providence, the Milwaukee Admirals, and San Antonio Rampage, notching a total of 95 points (36G, 59A). He's skated in 33 playoff games between the three AHL clubs and a total of 58 playoff games in his career, having made the playoffs in each one of his 12 seasons as a pro.
"I'm excited to come back to Jacksonville. The culture and team that's being built is something that I look forward to being a part of," said Rabbit. "Being familiar with the city and fans made it an easy choice. I will be here the entire season and hopefully we can make a good push for the playoffs!"
Rabbit is the first veteran signed to an ECHL contract for the 2018-2019 season. Each team is limited to four veteran players (excluding goaltenders) on its active roster and reserve during the season.
The Icemen open their second season on Saturday, October 13th at Veterans Memorial Arena against the South Carolina Stingrays. The puck drop has been moved up to 7:00 p.m. ET for all games, except Fridays and Sundays, when the start time will remain at 7:30 p.m. ET and 3:00 p.m. ET, respectively.
WACEY RABBIT GP G A TP PIM + / -
2006-07 Providence Bruins AHL 22 1 2 3 25 0
2007-08 Providence Bruins AHL 66 9 17 26 51 1
2008-09 Providence Bruins AHL 74 16 18 34 74 2
2009-10 Milwaukee Admirals AHL 76 8 10 18 53 -9
2010-11 Medvescak Zagreb EBEL 53 12 27 39 111 5
Medvescak Zagreb II Croatia 0 0 0 0 0
2011-12 San Antonio Rampage AHL 71 2 12 14 51 -7
Cincinnati Cyclones ECHL 3 0 4 4 2 2
2012-13 Lørenskog Norway 44 19 34 53 48 15
2013-14 Lørenskog Norway 38 16 29 45 30 10
2014-15 Lørenskog Norway 36 11 22 33 47 2
2015-16 Nippon Paper Cranes Asia 48 7 34 41 16 3
2016-17 Pustertal/Val Pusteria "A" AlpsHL 35 19 15 34 38 20
2017-18 Jacksonville Icemen ECHL 2 0 1 1 0 0
HC Dukla Jihlava Czech 17 2 3 5 10 -2
Off-Season Tracker
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ECHL Stories from August 14, 2018
- Matt Aiello Promoted to the AHL's Hartford Wolf Pack - Greenville Swamp Rabbits
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