The Pensacola Ice Flyers have officially named former professional forward Chris Ferazzoli as the team’s new assistant coach for the upcoming 2026–27 Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) campaign, bolstering the club’s staff with over a decade and a half of coaching and elite player development experience.

The organization announced the hiring on August 26, 2026, pairing Ferazzoli with Head Coach Jeremy Gates as the Ice Flyers prepare for their next run at an SPHL championship in downtown Pensacola.

A Proven Track Record on the Ice and Behind the Bench

Ferazzoli joins the Ice Flyers organization following an extensive career spanning both North American and European hockey. As a player, Ferazzoli logged 181 career professional games as a forward across several leagues, including stints in the ECHL with the Cincinnati Cyclones and Elmira Jackals, as well as on-ice experience in the SPHL with the Mississippi Surge and Augusta RiverHawks.

Following his playing days, Ferazzoli spent the past 15 years concentrating on high-level coaching and player skill development. His professional coaching portfolio includes development work with the Tampa Bay Lightning organization, as well as coaching engagements with clubs across Europe—specifically in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Austria, and Switzerland. On the junior and youth development circuits, he previously served as a head coach with the Florida Alliance AAA program.

Ice Flyers Head Coach Jeremy Gates praised the breadth of experience Ferazzoli brings to the Pensacola bench.

“We welcome Chris to the Ice Flyers as our new assistant coach,” Gates said. “Chris brings a tremendous amount of experience to our organization, including a successful professional career and years of developing players at high levels. His experience coaching in the Tampa area, working with elite players, as well as his knowledge of the SPHL and other professional leagues, will be a great asset to our staff.”

Player-Centered Philosophy and Championship Focus

For Ferazzoli, taking the assistant coaching post in Pensacola represents an opportunity to merge professional league familiarity with modern player development strategies. Emphasizing communication, accountability, and technical growth, Ferazzoli outlined his core approach to working with athletes across an SPHL roster.

“I want to be a players coach, invest in our players, build trust and develop relationships that extend beyond hockey,” Ferazzoli stated. “When players know where they stand, what they are doing well and how they can improve, that creates the foundation for success.”

The new assistant coach also highlighted his enthusiasm for the community and the pursuit of another league title for the franchise.

“I’m excited to be on the bench at this level and to help bring a championship home,” Ferazzoli added. “I love this game, and there will be no shortage of passion. I feel blessed to do this every day, and this organization will get every ounce of my heart and soul as a coach.”

Why it matters here

Minor league professional sports serve as a vital cornerstone of family-friendly entertainment, local commerce, and civic pride across Pensacola and greater Northwest Florida. When the Ice Flyers take the ice at the Pensacola Bay Center, home games routinely draw thousands of residents from across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, including families from Gulf Breeze, Milton, Pace, Ferry Pass, Cantonment, and Perdido Key.

The stability and competitive strength of the franchise generate substantial economic activity for local restaurants, hospitality workers, and small businesses throughout downtown Pensacola. Bringing in experienced, highly qualified coaching personnel such as Ferazzoli underscores the team’s commitment to maintaining a high-standard athletic product that rewards season ticket holders, local sponsors, and regional sports fans.

Background and Franchise Context

The Pensacola Ice Flyers compete in the Southern Professional Hockey League, a circuit known for physical, high-tempo hockey that provides a direct pathway for players and coaches seeking advancement in North American professional ranks. Over their history in the SPHL, the Ice Flyers have established themselves as one of the league’s flagship franchises, with multiple league championships and strong grassroots community support.

With the 2026–27 season on the horizon, the addition of Ferazzoli provides Head Coach Jeremy Gates with a dedicated development specialist capable of refining individual skater habits, managing special teams, and maintaining consistent standards across the roster from opening night through the postseason.

Sources

• https://iceflyers.com/ice-flyers-name-chris-ferazzoli-assistant-coach
• https://localpulse.com
• https://www.wkrg.com/northwest-florida/escambia-county/pensacola-ice-flyers-add-chris-ferazzoli-as-assistant-coach
• https://www.eliteprospects.com/staff/106316/chris-ferazzoli

This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.

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