BY: Alex Reed, Jacksonville Icemen
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Community First Igloo is excited to announce that former Jacksonville Icemen defenseman Kyle Shapiro has joined the Igloo hockey staff. Kyle will be involved in all hockey programming at the Igloo.
Originally from Philadelphia, Kyle played three years of Tier 3 Jr A hockey winning a national championship with the Helena Bighorns. He then played four years of NCAA hockey at Nichols College, where he graduated with a degree in International Business and a minor in Marketing.
While at Nichols, Shapiro won Two ECAC Northeast Championships and received awards; AHCA/CCM Men’s All-American, ECAC Northeast Player of the Year, ECAC Northeast All-Rookie team, All-New England Team, a three-time recipient of ECAC Northeast All-Academic team, and ECAC Northeast First Team.
After Shapiro’s senior season, he signed his first professional contract with the Evansville Icemen of the ECHL while still attending college. He then played five professional seasons, three of those seasons with the Jacksonville Icemen.
“I’m honored to be back in Jacksonville and help grow the game and drive the next wave of hockey players to become amazing athletes and even better people,” said Shapiro. “The time I spent in Jacksonville as a player was unbelievable. The sports culture in the city is second to none, everyone is so supportive. The game of hockey is so special to me and has given me so many opportunities in life including an education. It is my goal to bring my passion, excitement and knowledge of the game to the families of this great city,” said Shapiro.
For the past six years, Shapiro has directed a player development program in Massachusetts. Specializing in hockey advancement from Learn to Play hockey to the professional level. He created and managed an environment to develop and guide hockey players to achieve their goals on and off the ice. He is working with local programs of all ages and junior programs and growing the game in this area with leagues, skill development, and a specialization in skating and shooting. He has played a pivotal role in athletes moving on to prep school, college, and the professional level.
“It’s an exciting time for hockey in Jacksonville,” said Paul Esdale, Director of Hockey Operations at the Igloo. “Kyle is a great fit for our culture and brings experience in playing, coaching, development, and player advancement to the hockey community of Jacksonville.”
For more information about the Community First Igloo or youth hockey and skating programs, visit communityfirstigloo.com.
