The Junior Everblades Hockey Association (JEB) is pleased to announce our ownership interest in the Florida Junior Blades (Gator Ice LLC). Effective October 8th, 2019, JEB acquired a partial ownership interest in the Jr. Blades. This arrangement is to the mutual long term benefit of both hockey organizations. The primary mission of our youth hockey association is to grow the sport here in SWFL while providing a quality hockey program accessible to all who want to play at any age in an advanced skill level program. Our interest in the Jr. Blades now offers the opportunity for our program to begin with 8U Mites and continue through the primary ranks of Junior Hockey right here at Hertz Arena.

David Shepard, President of JEB, said, "The agreement allows for enhanced training for our youth players and shared resources between both organizations which include, but is not limited to: travel planning, team management, ice scheduling, marketing & social media, and recruitment activities. We are excited to see what has been a growing relationship between the two organizations, take a more formal structure for the benefit of our mission."

Ron Kinnear, Executive Director for Jr. Blades, said of the new relationship, "The ownership group of Gator Ice, Inc. is excited to form this partnership with JEB.  I believe this partnership will go beyond the on-ice experience to include education, leadership, and community service components to help foster a complete student-athlete."

All aspects of the agreement will be overseen by a joint steering committee, which consists of members from both organizations as well as an independent member. Our youth hockey program will not see any operational changes to the association and will remain a non-profit entity with a volunteer board of directors. We hope you share our excitement for this new cooperative venture for hockey in SWFL.