NORFOLK, VA – The Norfolk Admirals announced they have signed goaltender Matt Vernon to a contract for the 2026-27 season.
This will be Vernon's first season with the Admirals and third full season in the ECHL. He spent the 2025-26 season in Europe with the Innsbruck HC in the ICEHL (International Central European Hockey League).
He began his professional and ECHL career with the Reading Royals in the 2022-23 season after finishing his four-year college career with Colorado College. He appeared in two games with Reading, putting up a 2.40 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.
Vernon then spent two full seasons with the Jacksonville Icemen, including a rookie breakout season in 2023-24. He tallied a 25-10-3 record, a 2.67 goals-against average, .909 save percentage and one shutout.
He earned ECHL All-Rookie and All-ECHL Second Team Honors plus goaltender of the month in February and multiple goaltender of the week awards.
Vernon's next season with Jacksonville in 2024-25 saw similar numbers: including a 24-8-6 record, 2.59 goals against average and .916 save percentage in 39 games played.
“Going after a proven winner, a leader and an All-Star at the goaltending position was a main off-season target,” said Jeff Carr, Admirals Head Coach and General Manager. “We’re fortunate to have a goalie that plays with a ton of courage and a proven winner with pedigree that is used to winning and putting up great numbers.”
“I am so excited to be joining the admirals next season," said Vernon. "I can’t wait to play in front of the fans in Norfolk. I am looking forward to working hard with this team to chase the Kelly cup. See you all in October!”
Vernon also had two Kelly Cup Playoff stints with the Icemen, appearing in seven games with a 2.12 goals against average and .931 save percentage.
His father, Mike Vernon, is a 2023 Hall of Fame inductee net-minder who won two Stanley Cups (Calgary 1989, Detroit 1997) and was the Conn Smythe winner in the 1997 finals.
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