MENTOR, Ohio – With the impact of the coronavirus, subsequent pandemic, and the guidelines imposed by the State of Ohio, it is with careful consideration and deliberation that as of December 31, 2020, the Mentor Ice Breakers Professional Hockey Team will permanently cease to operate and exist. The Ohio COVID-19 Guidelines imposed early in 2020 have made it very difficult to sustain and generate the revenue necessary to continue operations.

Although only in existence for two seasons, the Mentor Ice Breakers were able to bring a new and thrilling professional hockey team to Lake County. We want to thank all of those who worked so hard in the attempt to make this adventure a success. In the past months, Nick Russo, Sebastian Ragno, Tim Walker, Jennifer Bryniarski, Angelo Velotta, Jared Tennant, Maryellen Cramer, Larry Rummel, Eric Moon, Allan Moon, Melisa Moon, and Bryan Moon, as well as many others have worked tirelessly to manage the team, the organization, and communications.

A special thank you to the players, past and present, who put their blood, sweat and tears into their jerseys and found a second home in Mentor.

We also want to thank all those involved with the Mentor Ice Breakers, from the City of Mentor, to our partner sponsors, and to the many fans who stood beside us through the ups and downs of the past two years. The Mentor Hockey Administration will work from now until December 31 to perform all functions necessary to close the business and team.

For those of you who have purchased season tickets, advertising space, or other sponsorships, monies will be returned within the next six weeks. If you have further questions, contact the Mentor Ice Breakers Office at 440-391-3050.