Ice Flyers Welcome Back Goaltender Rico DiMatteo for 2026-27 Season
PENSACOLA, FLA — The Pensacola Ice Flyers announced today that the team has re-signed goaltender Rico DiMatteo for the 2026–27 season.
DiMatteo returns to Pensacola after making his professional debut with the Ice Flyers during the 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-3 goaltender appeared in 16 games for Pensacola, posting a 10-4-0 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage. His strong start to the season earned him recognition as the SPHL Player of the Week following the opening weekend, when he stopped 33 shots in regulation and overtime before turning aside all six shooters in a shootout victory over Macon.
“We’re thrilled to have Rico back in Pensacola,” said Head Coach Jeremy Gates. “Rico is a very talented goalie who has valuable experience and is the type of person looking continue to grow his game. We’ve seen his ability firsthand last season. He brings competitiveness, and is an important part of our team as a goalie and person. I look forward to hearing his name announced at The Hangar in front of our great fans.”
Following his strong start in Pensacola, DiMatteo earned an opportunity at the next level when he was loaned to the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush on December 26, 2025. He went on to make 12 appearances with Rapid City, finishing his ECHL campaign with a 3.96 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage.
The Brasher Falls, New York, native also gained valuable experience during his time in the ECHL, including a standout professional debut in which he stopped 55 of 57 shots for the Rush. DiMatteo’s performance marked the highest save total by an ECHL goaltender in his first game that season and helped establish him as a reliable option in Rapid City’s crease.
Before turning professional, DiMatteo played NCAA Division I hockey at Northern Michigan University, Long Island University, and the University of New Hampshire. During his senior season at New Hampshire, he appeared in eight games, posting a 2.53 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. He also earned two Hockey East Goaltender of the Week honors.
After gaining experience at both the SPHL and ECHL levels during his first professional season, DiMatteo returns to Pensacola with another year of development under his belt and an opportunity to build on his strong rookie campaign.
“I’m calm, patient, and athletic,” said DiMatteo. “My goal this season is to be the top goaltender in the SPHL.”
The 2026–27 season will mark DiMatteo’s second professional season and his second campaign with the Ice Flyers.
