A Historic Night on the Ice: Jacksonville Icemen Host Savannah for Lizard Kings Weekend
A Night for Legends and Lizard Kings
Jacksonville sports fans, clear your schedules for a momentous Friday night on the ice. Tonight, January 23, 2026, the Jacksonville Icemen take center stage at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in a matchup that promises to be as much about local history as it is about the current standings. The Icemen are set to face off against their regional rivals, the Savannah Ghost Pirates, with the puck dropping at 7:00 PM EST.
This is far from a standard regular-season game; tonight marks the start of the highly anticipated "Lizard Kings Weekend." For those who remember the mid-1990s hockey scene in North Florida, the Jacksonville Lizard Kings were the city’s professional team from 1995 to 2000. To honor that legacy, the Icemen are throwing it back to that era with retro themes and special promotions. In a nod to the year the Lizard Kings franchise was born, the team is offering a special ticket price of $19.95, making it an accessible night of high-energy sports for families and long-time fans alike.
The highlights extend beyond the game itself. Jacksonville sports icon Tom Coughlin, the legendary first head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, will be in the building for a historic ceremony. The Icemen will be inducting a life-size bobblehead of Coughlin into the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame, featuring a special in-person appearance by the coach. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, as the first 1,000 attendees will receive a commemorative mini Tom Coughlin bobblehead. Coughlin’s induction highlights the deep community connection between Jacksonville’s various professional sports franchises.
On the ice, the competition will be fierce as the Icemen look to climb the South Division standings. Jacksonville has proven to be a powerhouse when playing from ahead, remaining undefeated this season when leading after the second period. They will face a tough challenge from the Savannah Ghost Pirates, who currently rank as one of the most dangerous teams in the league for short-handed goals. Local fans should keep a close eye on Craig Martin, who has historically led the offensive charge for the Icemen in matchups against Savannah.
Match Day Details:
- Teams: Savannah Ghost Pirates vs. Jacksonville Icemen
- Venue: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
- Time: 7:00 PM EST
- Special Events: Tom Coughlin Bobblehead Induction & Lizard Kings Throwback Night
Whether you are a die-hard hockey enthusiast or looking to celebrate a local legend like Tom Coughlin, the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena is the destination of choice tonight. Be sure to head downtown to witness this unique blend of sports history and professional hockey action.