PRINCETON, N.J. – The ECHL on Thursday announced that the Board of Governors has approved the Expansion Membership application of the Evansville IceMen for admission to the ECHL.

Evansville will begin play in October when the Premier ‘AA’ Hockey League celebrates its 25th season, making it the third-longest tenured professional hockey league behind only the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League.

Evansville plays its home games at the Ford Center, an 11,000-seat building which opened in November in downtown Evansville. The IceMen have been members of the Central Hockey League for the previous two seasons, and were fourth in the league in attendance in 2011-12 with an average of 4,882 per game.

“The ECHL is pleased to welcome the Evansville IceMen to the League,” said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. “Under the leadership of Ron Geary, the team has developed a strong base of fans. This loyal following, combined with a terrific new arena, make Evansville a strong addition to the ECHL as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary. The IceMen are a welcome addition to our Midwest footprint.”

“The IceMen organization is delighted to become a part of such an outstanding league as the ECHL,” said IceMen Owner/President Ron Geary. “Through their great support and enthusiasm, our growing numbers of loyal and devoted fans have demonstrated how much they want to see a top-flight, quality product. Our step today is another move in that direction. We have come a long way in a short period of time. This is a true testament and tribute to our fans and the Evansville/Tri-State community. We are looking forward to being a member of the ECHL beginning in the league’s 25th Anniversary season.”