JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — In a significant move for his career, Nick Luukko, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Jacksonville Icemen, has accepted a position as an assistant coach with the American Hockey League's (AHL) Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
Icemen & Zawyer Sports CEO Andy Kaufmann expressed his gratitude and congratulations to Luukko, stating, "We are so proud and extremely happy for Nick’s new opportunity in the AHL, and we want to thank him for his commitment, effort, and service to the team. Nick elevated Icemen Hockey to new heights, bringing a culture to the team that resulted in three consecutive seasons of at least 40 wins, while propelling Jacksonville as a destination place for players in the ECHL. We look forward to seeing Nick find success at the next level and beyond.”
Luukko’s tenure with the Icemen was marked by exceptional achievements. Under his guidance, the team celebrated three consecutive 40+ win seasons, accumulating a record of 126-73-17. The 2022-23 season saw the team set a club record with 44 wins. Additionally, the Icemen earned the ECHL’s Hockey Operations Department of the Year Award during his leadership, a prestigious accolade voted on by league coaches. Luukko also led the team to its first playoff series victory in 2022, followed by another playoff series win in 2023.
Luukko, 32, became the second head coach in Jacksonville Icemen history in the summer of 2021 after serving two years as an assistant coach with the Reading Royals (ECHL) under Head Coach Kirk MacDonald. In a twist of fate, Luukko will now reunite with MacDonald, who was recently appointed as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s head coach in June.
Reflecting on his time in Jacksonville, Luukko said, “Starting my head coaching career in Jacksonville has been nothing short of amazing. I want to thank Andy Kaufmann and the entire organization for an unbelievable three years. It’s been an absolute privilege working for the Jacksonville Icemen. Thank you to all the players for their hard work and dedication over the past three seasons. Your energy and commitment to getting better every day helped set the standard and culture of our wonderful organization. To the staff, your commitment and consistent pursuit of excellence has played a large part in the organization’s success. Through the laughs and the grind, we’ve created memorable moments that we’ll never forget. Lastly to the fans, I thank you for all the support through the years. Your passion and energy drove our success. It is quite evident why Jacksonville is quickly growing into one of the best hockey markets in North America. Jacksonville will always hold a special place in my family’s hearts.”
The Jacksonville Icemen are expected to announce their next head coach soon.