The UF College of Nursing hosted an evening of hockey and community connection at the Jacksonville Icemen game on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026. The second annual Icemen event marked the first time the College of Nursing invited other UF Health Science Center colleges to participate, expanding the reach and impact of the outing. The game also featured Star Wars night, adding to the fun for attendees.
For students, the event provided a welcome opportunity to step outside the classroom, connect with peers and faculty, and show their Gator pride in the Jacksonville community.
“The Jax Icemen event was such a fun and energizing experience,” said Kelsey Learn, Accelerated BSN Gator Nursing student at our Jacksonville campus. “It was great to see students come together outside of the classroom, connect with one another and support a local team. Events like this really highlight the sense of community at the UF College of Nursing and give us a chance to recharge and build relationships beyond academics.”
That sense of connection carried beyond the game, creating moments students will remember long after the final buzzer.
“The Icemen game was such a fun and refreshing way to decompress with classmates and faculty while connecting with Gator Nation from across Jacksonville and beyond,” said Vincent Hayes, a fellow Accelerated BSN student in Jacksonville. “As a special highlight, our group was invited onto the ice afterward for a photo, where we shared plenty of laughs and memorable moments together. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in this fundraising event, and it has inspired our cohort to continue organizing events that strengthen connection and create meaningful experiences for our community.”
A total of 91 tickets were sold: 65 from the College of Nursing, 13 from the College of Pharmacy, 11 from the College of Public Health & Health Professions, and 2 from the College of Veterinary Medicine. Each college received $5 for every ticket sold, with the College of Nursing raising more than $300 through ticket sales and other colleges benefiting proportionally.
“Seeing so many parts of the Gator Nursing family come together was incredibly rewarding,” said Kacie Perryman, associate director of development and alumni affairs. “Events like this strengthen relationships, celebrate our alumni and help advance the mission of the UF College of Nursing.”