Ice Flyers Sign Defenseman Yahor Ramanau for 2026-27 Season
PENSACOLA, FLA. — The Pensacola Ice Flyers announced today that the team has signed defenseman Yahor Ramanau for the 2026–27 season.
Ramanau joins the Ice Flyers after beginning his professional career in North America during the 2025–26 season. The 6-foot-1, 174-pound left-shot defenseman spent time with the Twin City Thunderbirds and Biloxi Breakers, gaining his first experience at the professional level.
A native of Minsk, Belarus, Ramanau’s hockey development began at home under the guidance of his father, Oleg Ramanau, who played for the Belarus national team. Oleg coached Yahor during his early years in the sport, helping establish the foundation that would eventually lead him to pursue hockey in North America.
“Yahor is a young defenseman who has continued to develop his game and has gained valuable professional experience over the last couple of seasons.” said Head Coach Jeremy Gates. “We like his mobility, his ability to move the puck, and the way he competes. We believe there’s still a lot of upside in his game. Yahor is hungry for an opportunity to take the next step, and we’re looking forward to working with him and helping him continue to develop here in Pensacola.”
Ramanau made his way to North America as a teenager, joining the Esmark Stars program in Pennsylvania. He spent four seasons within the program, progressing from the U15 level through U18 AAA. During his 2020–21 U18 season, Ramanau recorded 41 points on 12 goals and 29 assists in 54 games, including six power-play goals and a shorthanded goal.
His development with Esmark earned him an opportunity at the junior level, and he signed an NAHL tender with the Wichita Falls Warriors in 2021. The Esmark program described Ramanau as a highly skilled defenseman capable of blending Eastern European and North American styles of play.
After continuing his development through junior hockey, Ramanau began his professional career during the 2025–26 season. He recorded his first professional points with the Twin City Thunderbirds, finishing his time with the club with two assists in 13 appearances.
Now, Ramanau will bring his international background, North American experience, and continued development to Pensacola as he looks to establish himself in the SPHL.
“The Ice Flyers are a winning team and live in one of the best towns in the SPHL,” said Ramanau. “My goal this year is to win the presidents cup and to grow as a player as much as a person.”
The 2026–27 season will mark Ramanau’s first season with the Ice Flyers as he looks to take the next step in his professional career and make an impact on Pensacola’s blue line.
