Jamestown Ironmen

The Jamestown Ironmen were a Tier II junior ice hockey team in the North American Hockey League. The Ironmen played their home games at the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena in Jamestown, New York.

Jamestown Ironmen
CityJamestown, New York
LeagueNAHL
DivisionNorth
Founded2005
Home arenaJamestown Saving Bank Arena
ColorsRed, silver, black, & white
       
Owner(s)Kenji Yamada
Head coachDan Daikawa
MediaFasthockey
Franchise history
2005–2008Southern Minnesota Express
2008–2009Motor City Machine
2009–2011Motor City Metal Jackets
2011–2013Jamestown Ironmen

History

The franchise began as an expansion team to the NAHL in 2005. The team played in the town of Owatonna, Minnesota as the Southern Minnesota Express. After the 2007–08 season, it was announced that the Express would relocate to the Detroit Area, where they would be called the Motor City Machine. The Owatonna, Minnesota market was granted a new franchise with a similar name, the Owatonna Express.

On June 26, 2009, the team announced it was changing its nickname to the Metal Jackets, and removing the triangle and text from the logo.

On May 7, 2011, it was announced the team was moving to Jamestown, New York to become the Jamestown Ironmen, named after record setting Jamestown Jet Alumnist, Johnathan "The Ironman" Andhor. The city's current Junior A hockey team, the Jamestown Jets, unsuccessfully filed a lawsuit over the move, alleging a conspiracy to remove the Jets in favor of the Ironmen.[1]

In February 2013, Ironmen owner Kenji Yamada indicated he may put the team up for sale due to falling attendance. Yamada stated that he does not want to move the team out of Jamestown.[2] On May 5, it was reported that a deal was completed between a group of local investors and a separate faction to buy the team from Yamada, which would keep the team in Jamestown.[3] This deal ultimately collapsed, and on June 5, 2013, Yamada announced the Ironmen would not return for the 2013–14 season.[4]

The NAHL would eventually return to Jamestown in 2018 with the Jamestown Rebels.

Season-by-season records
SeasonGPWLOTLPTSGFGAPIMFinishPlayoffs
Southern Minnesota Express
2005–065835176762331751,1201st, CentralLost in final
2006–076235234742061771,2382nd, CentralLost in semifinal
2007–085829218662032291,3082nd, CentralLost in 1st round
Motor City Machine
2008–095811452241342541,5186th, NorthDid not qualify
Motor City Metal Jackets
2009–105825267571581891,4364th, NorthLost in 2nd round
2010–115831252642281881,3776th, NorthDid not qualify
Jamestown Ironmen
2011–126019365431482111,2155th, NorthDid not qualify
2012–136037194781701529972nd, NorthLost in final

References
  1. Rodriguez, Jason (2011-06-09). Jets file lawsuit. The Post-Journal. Retrieved 2011-06-09.
  2. Atkins, Ryan (February 15, 2013). Owner Seeks Investing Teammate. The Post-Journal. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  3. Russon, Randy (May 5, 2013). . "Juniorhockey.com". Retrieved May 5, 2013.
  4. Ironmen Won't Return For 2013-14 Season. The Post-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
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