The Community First Igloo is excited to announce that Daniel Hickman will be joining the coaching staff. Born and raised in Hamden, CT, Hickman is the only player from Hamden, CT to play in the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL). In his rookie year in 2005, he played for the Jacksonville Barracudas and again in 2007.

Hickman played collegiate hockey in the NCAA Men's Division II college hockey for the Southern New Hampshire University Penman men's ice hockey team in the ECAC Hockey conference and was awarded "Most Defensive Player" in both High School and College.

Hickman was one of the only 2 players to get selected out of 64 players at a Port Huron Michigan Professional Rookie Hockey Camp. From there, led to 4 years of playing professional ice hockey in the minors all over the country for NHL affiliate teams for the LA Kings, New York Rangers, and Edmonton Oilers (ECHL, UHL, CHL, SPHL). 

“We are so excited to have Dan join the coaching staff,” said Paul Esdale, Director of Hockey Operations. “Dan brings excitement and passion to the rink and definitely will make a big impact on the future of hockey players in Jacksonville,” said Esdale.

Hickman has experience as a former hockey director for a dual-rink in New Hampshire, along with experience coaching all age levels. He formerly coached with the Junior Everblades last season in Fort Myers. He has three young daughters and is excited to be a part of the growth at the Igloo.