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.
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.Rodriguez, Jason (2011-06-09). Jets file lawsuit. The Post-Journal. Retrieved 2011-06-09.
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.Atkins, Ryan (February 15, 2013). Owner Seeks Investing Teammate. The Post-Journal. Retrieved February 15, 2013. 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.Russon, Randy (May 5, 2013). . "Juniorhockey.com". Retrieved May 5, 2013. This deal ultimately collapsed, and on June 5, 2013, Yamada announced the Ironmen would not return for the 2013–14 season.Ironmen Won't Return For 2013-14 Season. The Post-Journal. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
The NAHL would eventually return to Jamestown in 2018 with the Jamestown Rebels.
Season-by-season records Season GP W L OTL PTS GF GA PIM Finish PlayoffsSouthern Minnesota Express 2005–06 58 35 17 6 76 233 175 1,120 1st of 5, Central5th of 20, NAHLWon Div. Semifinal series, 3–2 (Minnesota Blizzard)Won Div. Final series, 4–0 (Fargo-Moorhead Jets)Lost Semifinal Round-Robin, 7–3 (Texas Tornado), 3–4 (Texas Tornado), 5–2 (Mahoning Valley Phantoms)Won Third Place Game, 6–2 (Mahoning Valley Phantoms) 2006–07 62 35 23 4 74 206 177 1,238 2nd of 6, Central7th of 17, NAHLWon Div. Semifinal series, 3–2 (Alexandria Blizzard)Won Div. Final series, 3–0 (Fargo-Moorhead Jets)Lost Semifinal Round-Robin, 1–4 (Mahoning Valley Phantoms), 1–3 (St. Louis Bandits), 5–3 (Fairbanks Ice Dogs)Won Third Place Game, 3–2 (Fairbanks Ice Dogs) 2007–08 58 29 21 8 66 203 229 1,308 2nd of 6, Central17th of 18, NAHLLost Div. Semifinal series, 3–2 (Alexandria Blizzard)Motor City Machine 2008–09 58 11 45 2 24 134 254 1,518 6th of 6, North18th of 19, NAHLDid not qualifyMotor City Metal Jackets 2009–10 58 25 26 7 57 158 189 1,436 4th of 5, North12th of 19, NAHLWon Div. Semifinal series, 3–0 (Marquette Rangers)Lost Div. Final series, 0–3 (Traverse City North Stars) 2010–11 58 31 25 2 64 228 188 1,377 6th of 8, North16th of 26, NAHLDid not qualifyJamestown Ironmen 2011–12 60 19 36 5 43 148 211 1,215 5th of 5, Northt-22nd of 28, NAHLDid not qualify 2012–13 60 37 19 4 78 170 152 997 2nd of 8, North8th of 24, NAHLWon Div. Semifinal series, 3–0 (Kalamazoo Jr. K-Wings)Won Div. Final series, 3–0 (Soo Eagles)Lost Semifinal Round-Robin, 3–4 (Bismarck Bobcats), 1–2 (OT) (Amarillo Bulls), 2–5 (Wenatchee Wild)
References
External links Official site