Jamaica ice hockey team names squad for Challenger Series

The Jamaica Olympic Ice Hockey Federation has identified the nucleus of the players that will make up the team to participate in the third renewal of the Challenger Series Ice Hockey tournament in Chicago and Montreal. Jamaica won the tournament in its first year, 2024, beating Puerto Rico and Lebanon in matches played in Chicago and Toronto. The team was not able to successfully defend the trophy in 2025 as new entrants Greece skated out winners.

Dr Don Anderson, former JOA vice-president, who is now the president of the Ice Hockey Federation, believes that Jamaica has an excellent chance of regaining the trophy this year as the federation has identified a number of exciting players competing in leagues across Canada, the USA. and in Poland to form this nucleus. He is confident that some of the best players available have been included in the squad.

Three other players are currently under review for addition to this initial squad of 17.

This year, there are five teams entered: Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Lebanon, Greece, and an Indian Heritage team.

The Chicago leg of the tournament skates off on the May 6 and points won in this leg will go towards the second and final leg in Montreal between from July 8-12.

These matches are crucial to the build -up of Jamaica’s reputation and international standing in the sport. Eventually, the team expects to be playing in qualifying tournaments leading to participation in the Winter Olympics, emulating the highly successful bobsled team, which has now competed in nine Olympic Games.

Jamaica ice hockey squad

Forwards

Taos Jordan, Captain, Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), Carter Thornton, Biloxi Breakers,(FPHL),

Maleek McGowan, Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), Koby Francis, Chilliwack Chiefs (BCHL), Jazz Krivtsov U Mass, Boston (NCAA D3, Tayjon Street, Stouffville Spirit (OJHL), Elijah Chavez Stouffville Spirit (OJHL), Jaxon Cooper, Toronto Nationals (U18 AAA),

Brenton Carter, Delhi Flames (OEHL)

Defenders

Avery Grant, Aurora Tigers (OJHL), Tyson Rismond, Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL), Jahwara Rennalls, Gas Olivia Gdansk (Poland), Ty Drummond UMass Boston NCAA D3, Dane Jordan Port Hope Panthers (PJHL)

Goalkeepers

Tyler Krivtsov, Alaska Anchorage (NCAA D1), Jayden Carr, Universal College Quebec, USPHL)