Ice Notes

An update on this weeks roster moves, including suspensions and who's on the IR.

Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider rejoined the team after taking off the previous week to heal his upper body injury. Swider continues to lead the SPHL scoring race with 58 points in 35 games played, that's 5 points ahead of Fayetteville's Rob Sich, who's in second with 53 points. Forward Tim Vitek dropped from second to third in scoring, now with 50 points and linemate Mike Carter is close behind with 46 points, tied for 6th in the individual stats race.

Defenseman Clay Lewis signed a season-long contract last week after his 3 game tryout expired. To make room for lewis, the Ice Bears placed forward Derek Pallardy on 30-day injured reserve.

Pallardy briefly joined forward Frank Furdero on the i.r. - then on Monday, the Ice Bears activated Furdero from injured reserve and granted him emergency leave from the team. "When I had the cast off Thursday - it was real tight, it felt like I was learning how to walk again - it was just the ligaments for the most part were tightened up, but now that I'm putting weight on it - it feels good. I mean I'm real excited, obviously I want to get out there as soon as possible but I am hoping to get out here, at least put the skates on as soon as they take this thing off."

Pictures courtesy of Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

SPHL Winter Meeting

Decisions were made earlier this week which will affect play next season in the southern pro hockey league.

The SPHL owners held their annual winter meeting on Sunday and Monday in west Knox county, League expansion was again one of the topics discussed, "Augusta and Pensacola are very viable places that we're looking at,“ Mike Murray, Ice Bears GM said. ”And obviously nothing has been put pen to paper as of this date - we have some time frames that we're looking at to basically say we're going to grow or we're going to stay the way we are. We'd like to know before the end of our season, start of, probably before we hit playoffs would be a good time to know."

Team owners and representatives also discussed game scheduling during their meetings at the Holiday Inn select on Cedar Bluff. "We also talked about a number of things, about the number of games we're going to play next year - that's been reduced to 56, going into next year," Murray said. "There's two dates that I could chuck out as far as home dates that I'm not going to lose sleep over - and in that, there's two road games we won't have to go on."

Turning to the post season Murray says an early start is key. "We're going to start as soon as we can after the last weekend of the season. We've made it pretty clear that the first round will have to be finished by April 1st to get it in - because like we said, we're going to do a 5-game series, and then a best of 7 - so, to fit all that in - it's no big secret that playing in the south optimum building dates become less optimum after April 15th. We're going to try to make sure we accommodate the best dates possible because no one really wants a Tuesday playoff game, and we're trying to get - you know, if you finish in first place - like we intend to do, we want to make sure we have that Friday or Saturday to start off with."

The league's now in its 5th year of operating.

Ice Bears Blood Drive

While a couple of the Ice Bears worked to get healthy, their teammates donated blood to help save the lives of medical patients needing transfusions.

On Monday, the team encouraged hockey fans to help Knoxville's Medic Regional Blood Center replenish its blood supply. "You just always want to help out a good cause and everything,”Derek Pallardy, Ice Bears forward said, ”you know we leave a little blood on the ice sometimes, so if we can do it, everyone else can."

Medic serves 29 hospitals located in 21 counties here in East Tennessee - the center needs all types of blood - but right now, it especially needs O positive and O negative types. "It's something everybody needs, and it's something everybody can do really." Mike Strange, one of Monday's blood donors said. "I'll be glad to participate in anything with the Ice Bears, except play hockey."

Everyone who donated blood on Monday received a specialty Ice Bears t-shirt and a flex ticket good for any Ice Bears home game. "A lot of good people have been showing up, coming to support the cause and just help donate blood,” Clay Lewis, Ice Bears defenseman said, ”people helping people any way they can, it's always a good thing."

Hunnies Dance Clinic

Young Ice Bears fans often tell the Hunnies dancers they wish they could perform with them at center ice during intermission, now they'll get that chance.

On Saturday, nearly 40 young girls took part in the Hunnies youth dance clinic held at Greene Magnet School, near downtown Knoxville.

"I liked being with all the other dancers, meeting new people and learning a new dance." Said Kimberly Bean, a Clinton Middle School cheerleader.

"just being able to learn a new dance,”Nikki Thomas, a member of the South-Doyle Dance Team said “and just having one day to learn it to see how far we can perfect it, and if we can learn more, and to perfect our techniques."

The girls learned dance techniques, skills and routines which they'll use to perform with the Hunnies during an Ice Bears home playoff game. "We wanted to make sure we covered everything,”Gwyn pierce, one of the Hunnies said.” If anybody was having a problem we went back and helped them, just making everybody feel comfortable with it." Erica Wilkerson, the Hunnies Dance Captain said "this is a chance for us to work with children, ages 5 all the way to 18. and it's just a good way for everybody to be incorporated into the Ice Bears family."

the youngsters will perform with the Hunnies sometime during the week of march 22nd when the SPHL playoffs begin...

Upcoming game promotions

The first place Ice Bears often rock their opponents with their winning play, and on Thursday the team gets some help rockin' the house.

Country music's Emerson Drive kicks off the Ice Bears game with a rockin' national anthem on dollar days. The Canadian group's debut single, "I should be sleeping," reached top 5 on the charts. Emerson drive followed that up with their "Fall Into Me" single. The group's first number one hit is "Moments, "which won CMT's video and single of the year awards in 2007.

Dollar days are a great way to enjoy the Ice Bears hard-hitting hockey action at an affordable price! Come hungry and enjoy $1.00 prices on hot dogs, small drinks and popcorn.

Friday night is church night at the Ice Bears game with Richmond, mascot mania will entertain kids of all ages during intermission.

Ice Notes

An update on this weeks roster moves, including suspensions and whose on the IR.

Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider sat out all 3 weekend games with an upper body injury. He was hit January 10th in the twin city game by the cyclones' Brady Heintz. "I thought it would be better not to push it.” Swider said. ”It didn't feel good enough to go, so I couldn't say a hundred percent that I'd be alright, and we're just being on the safe side." Swider says he fully expects to be in the lineup next weekend.

Swider continues to lead the SPHL scoring race, despite missing this past week of play. Swider's 57 points is 8 ahead of teammate Tim Vitek, who's tied for second with Fayetteville's Rob Sich.

Vitek scored a hat trick on Sunday, notching 3 of the Ice Bears 4 goals in the win against the cottonmouths. "Obviously it feels really good to put three in,“ Vitek said. ”The boys played well tonight."

Linemate Mike Carter performed that same feat on Friday against the renegades. It was Carter's first professional hat trick. "Just one of those games where everything clicked for me” Carter said, “Vlieter and Timmy made some great plays - and it just worked for me that night."

Forward Chris Rebernik returned to the line-up Saturday night, scoring a goal in his first game, after missing 7 weeks of hockey. Rebernik injured his left leg on thanksgiving night in Columbus. "I was more nervous than I've pretty much ever been” Rebernik said “but I just think that's because of the knee, but after a few hits and stuff I was fine."

Forward Frank Furdero is still on the mend and last week, had the hard cast removed from his injured right leg, Furdero's now fitted with a walking cast. "I'll have an air cast on for two weeks," Furdero said. "I'm putting weight on it, things are looking good."

A couple of newcomers entered the Ice Bears line-up on Friday; former Fayetteville forward Justin Keller picked up a couple assists on Saturday. "So far everyday feels like I'm fitting in more and more," said Keller. "It's been a good transition. The guys have been treating me really good. I really wanted to be in Knoxville and it happened and I'm really excited about it."

Defenseman Clay Lewis suited up for his 3 game tryout. "it was good to be back out there” Lewis said. “I missed it - I took about two weeks off in the whole transition from Richmond to here."

Pictures Courtesy of Haas Designs Photography and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Legends Game

Prior to Saturday's game, the Ice Bears honored Knoxville's former professional hockey players with a legends night.

The event featured hockey stars from teams dating back to the Knoxville Knights. The Legends faced-off in a 3-period, running time game, against the University of Tennessee hockey team. Mike Murray, Cherokees forward and Ice Bears GM said "We came out of the chutes firing, and then our age and our joints kicked in in the third period."



"I haven't seen a lot of them in a long time,” said former Cherokees Defenseman, Steve Ryding, ”and it's good to get out and get a good sweat." Another Cherokee, Pat Noiseux said, "I came in from Utah, and I'd do it again, too. it was a lot of fun - great to see all these guys."

"I feel about twice as old, so it was a lot of fun, had a good time." Cherokees D-man Sean Mangan said. "it kind of brings back old memories - it's okay." David Lee of the Knoxville Knights said.

Behind the bench was Knights' Defenseman Don Labelle and he says not much has changed, "just like the old days - nobody listened to me."

The legends jumped out to an early 4-to-1 lead fueled by a pair of goals from Mike Murray, but the Ice Vols came from behind to win 5-4 in a shootout. "We tried to keep up with those guys” said Cherokee Forward Chad Thompson “we ran out of gas!"

Jeff Dudych, Knoxville Speed goaltender and Hockey Loedown game analyst said "it was all about fun and that's what was had out there."

The Knights, Cherokees, Speed and Ice Bears were all represented.

Picture courtesy of Lee Montgomery via Volzeye.com

Give Blood - Watch Hockey

Throughout the year the Ice Bears organization gives back to our east Tennessee community, on Monday, the team's working to save lives with a blood drive.

The Ice Bears invite everyone to join them in helping serve our community in the team's annual blood drive. Medical emergencies often require blood transfusions. Maintaining adequate blood supplies is critical and can mean the difference between life and death for patients in need of transfusions.

Join Ice Bears players and staff this coming Monday, January 26th from 3 to 6 p-m at the Medic Regional Blood Center on Ailor avenue.



Everyone who donates blood on Monday will receive a specialty Ice Bears t-shirt and a flex ticket good for any Ice Bears home game.

The Medic Regional Blood Center needs all types of blood - but they especially need "o" positive and "o" negative types.



Event Info:
What: Ice Bears blood drive

Where: Medic Regional Blood Center on Ailor avenue near downtown Knoxville

Date: Monday, January 26th

Time: Medic opens at 8am Ice Bears appear from 3 pm until 6 pm

Youth Player of the Game

On Saturday, the Ice Bears recognized another amateur player who's among the best in his youth hockey league.

they welcomed Zach fox, a 14-year-old Webb school 8th grader, who skates at the Ice Chalet in Bearden. "It means a lot that the ice chalet would pick me for something like this," Zach said. "It's really a privilege to get to do this."

You'd think skating in front of a packed house like that would make Zach a little nervous, but he said he just wasn't. “I've skated in front of people before - I skate better than I walk."

Congratulations Zach!

Ice Notes

An update on this weeks roster moves, including suspensions and whose on the IR.

Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider had a rough weekend with injuries. On Friday, he received 4 stitches when an Ice Bears line change went wrong. "Carter went crazy, was a little too excited, had a lot of red bull tonight, was freaking out, telling Timmy to come off, so he freaked out, jumped over the boards, actually jumped on my hand, and sliced me up a little bit - so I told him to lay off the red bull."

Then in Saturday's game, Swider got banged-up in the first period - he played sparingly in the second and sat out the third. Coach Hillman says "Kevin just got hit hard, he got the wind knocked out of him - he'll be fine next game."

Swider watched the end of the Cyclones game along with ejected Ice Bears Jared Siganuk, and Andrew Gallant, and injured players Chris Rebernik and Frank Furdero.

Last week, the Ice Bears traded d-man Sean Cryer to Fayetteville for forward Justin Keller.
Hillman says "Sean Cryer will be leaving us. That's a real tough one, we all love Sean he's a great team player, and has certainly done everything the coaching staff has asked of him."

Keller finished 5th in league scoring last season, but this year through 26 games with the Fireantz, he has only 8 goals and is a negative-6 in the plus/minus category.

Newcomer Clay Lewis got to town last week from Richmond, following the Ice Bears having picked up the former Renegades defenseman off waivers...coach Scott Hillman is hoping Lewis will add toughness to Knoxville's line-up. Lewis says "I've heard nothing but great things about the organization, and just glad to be here." Coach Hillman adds "Clay, another big, strong defenseman will be in the line-up all three games this weekend, we'll put him on a 3-game tryout and make a decision on him after the weekend."

On Friday, defenseman Chris Brannen signed his 4th Ice Bears contract, but this one's a season-long deal, after Brannen previously agreed to other contracts for 3-game tryouts. As for why the decision was finally made, Coach Hillman says "our team defense, our penalty killing, and our win percentage has been much better with Chris in the line-up." Brannen scored his first goal as an ice bear on Saturday against the Cyclones and it turned out to be the game winner.

As we told you last week, Coach Hillman opened up that roster spot for Brannen by releasing forward Caleb Moffat. Hillman says "Not only is Caleb a valuable part of the team, he's a close personal friend, I brought him in here unfortunately with such a long layoff - he himself feels he hasn't progressed the way he wanted to."

Knoxville netminders Kirk Irving and Andrew Gallant are neck-and-neck now holding down the top 2 goaltending spots in the league. Irving is first among netminders with a 2.58 goals against average and a 92-percent save percentage. Gallant ranks second with a 2.59 goals against average and also has 92-percent save percentage.

The Ice Bears also now own the top two positions in the SPHL scoring race. forward Tim Vitek moved into the second spot behind line mate Swider. Vitek picked up 2 goals and 5 assists last week, and now on the season - has a dozen goals and 33 assists for a total of 45 points. Vitek says "it's been a nice little run though, that's for sure. hopefully we can keep things going here."

Forward Mike Carter also jumped up in the individual standings to 6th place, now with 10 goals and 39 points. And Twin City's Ben Manny - a former ice bear - was not in uniform for Saturday's game in Knoxville - instead, he sat on the coliseum's press row with News Sentinel sportswriter Nick Gates.
Ben Manny says, "I got hit into the boards and ending up breaking my nose and missed part of the game, but I guess decided I'd sit this one out tonight."

The Ice Bears Chris Rebernik was injured thanksgiving night in Columbus, and placed on the 30-day injured reserve list - Rebernik came off the IR December 29th, although he was physically not quite ready to re-enter the line-up.

Rebernik was back on the ice Monday and had this to say, "It's my 5th day now back on the ice and just slowly getting back into it with some skating drills on my own, some shooting, just getting a handle for the puck again. It's good, it's where I should be at this point according to the doctors." Coach Hillman says "We're actually hoping to get Chris back on the ice this weekend, whether or not it will be a regular shift is yet to be seen, but he'll join us in practice in the next few days."

Forward Frank Furdero is now wearing a cast on his right leg, after crashing into the boards going for a loose puck a week ago Friday. Furdero says, "I went to the doctor Monday, and he said it was a hairline fracture the back of my leg and I did some tendon-ligament damage." Furdero says he could be out of the line-up 6 weeks. "I'll have the cast off second week of January, and I'll be ready to go back second week of February."

Goalie Fight!

During a second period scuffle, the Ice Bears Andrew Gallant left his goal crease and skated to center ice to square off with Twin City keeper Terry Dunbar.

Gallant said, "as soon as Siggy jumped the guy, I looked down and he said yeah, I said alright, let's do it. I skated down the middle, put on a show. ah, it was fun."

But not to worry, Gallant says he wasn't hurt in the scuffle. "It takes a lot out of you …I think he got me with one shot maybe here."

No punches were pulled though, but no hard feelings either. "It's a thing about respect - we're both goalies, once it's over it's over. Give a little pat on the head, say good job, that's it."
Both netminders got game misconducts and were ejected for leaving the crease to join an altercation. Knoxville's Kirk Irving went the rest of the way, keeping twin city scoreless.

Following the game, Ice Bears athletic trainer Bill Murray presented both goaltenders with Half of a game puck for shutting out the cyclones!


Photos courtesy Lee Montgomery and Laura Atkins Via Volzeye.com

Upcoming Game Night Promotions

Lots more excitement coming up at the Ice Bears 3 home games this weekend.

On Friday night at the Ice Bears game - it's star wars night. Bring a star wars toy for donation to East Tennessee Children's Hospital and receive a buy one, get one ticket free for a future game.

then on Saturday night - join Knoxville's hockey legends as they host the UT Ice Vols at 5:30. See players from the past that put Knoxville hockey on the map - like Steve Ryding, Jeff Lindsay, Pat Noiseux, Brad Corteau, Tim Sinasac, Mike Murray. the legends honorary coach is the knights Don Labelle.
Your ticket to the Ice Bears game also admits you to this exciting showcase; doors open at 5:15. Come out and support the past, present and potential future of Knoxville hockey.

Ice Bears GM, Mike Murray, says the night's not just about honoring the Legends, but also helping promote the Ice Vols. "We want to recognize that UT has a club team and they're trying to grow with their program, as well - if the Ice Bears can support that, we'd love to do it."

Sunday afternoon's 5 o'clock face-off begins family fun day at the rink. Specials include 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks for only $44.

Youth Player of the Game

On Saturday night, the Ice Bears recognized another amateur player who stands out in his youth hockey league.

They welcomed Zeke Rebholz - a 4-year-old from Knoxville, who was easily a crowd favorite!

Zeke's a member of the Ice Chalet cross ice program and he's been skating for about one year - but he just had his first hockey practice 2 weeks ago.

Zeke said the coolest thing about being out on the ice was the American Flag.
Congratulations Zeke!

Baby Derby

Infant sons and daughters of Ice Bears fans experienced their first competitive age-group race.
On Friday night, boys and girls one-year-old or younger got down on all fours and raced from start to finish in the Ice Bears first "baby derby!" About a dozen contestants entered the race held between periods at center ice.

Taylor Bowman celebrated his first birthday by crawling away with the competition; in fact it wasn't even close, as this tyke from Greeneville, Tennessee took top honors.

Victory doesn't come without a little hard work. Taylor's dad, Tony said “we just separated ourselves, put a little distance between the two of us at our home, at our house, he just pretty much took right off." Tobey Bowman, Taylor's mom said "I'm very proud of him considering it's his bedtime - and he's sleepy."

Taylor's parents - Tony and Tobey Bowman are Ice Bears season ticket holders and have been the past 3 seasons.

Congratulations "baby derby" champ Taylor Bowman!

Ice Notes

This week - the Ice Bears picked-up a new addition to the team ... Knoxville claimed off waivers former Richmond defenseman Clay Lewis.

Coach Hillman says "we have a few days to decide what we want to do with Clay - he actually has some medical work that needs done before he leaves Richmond so that gives us an extra few days to really examine our roster."

Lewis is 6-feet, 4-inches tall, and weighs 220-pounds - through 25 games this season with the Renegades, he scored 2 goals, 2 assists and was a minus-6 in the plus/minus category.

On Saturday, the Ice Bears signed defenseman Chris Brannen to a third 3-game tryout contract. Hillman says "Chris will definitely be signed after the game on Thursday night, and some other type of move will have to be made to open up a roster spot for Chris."

On Tuesday, coach Scott Hillman opened up that roster spot for Brannen by releasing forward Caleb Moffat. Moffat had been out of hockey for 2 years before joining the Ice Bears this season - he recently sat out 30 days on injured reserve with a hip injury - Moffat's role on the team was enforcer.

Defenseman Kevin Harris missed 3 games with a strained muscle, and returned to Knoxville's line-up on new year's eve. Kevin Harris said "I'm feeling alright, definitely not 100-percent but it feels good to get back out there and playing again. Sitting and watching 3 or 4 games is not really what I want to do, so it feels good to be out there."

Forward Frank Furdero is now wearing a cast on his right leg, after crashing into the boards going for a loose puck a week ago Friday. Furdero said "I went to the doctor Monday, and he said it was a hairline fracture the back of my leg and I did some tendon-ligament damage."

Furdero says he could be out of the line-up 6 weeks. "I'll have the cast off second week of January, and I'll be ready to go back second week of February."

The SPHL named Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider December's Sher-Wood Player of the Month - Swider scored 10 goals and notched 12 assists for 22 points in 13 games last month. This marks the 3rd time the league's recognized Swider as player of the month.

Last week, he lengthened his lead in the southern league scoring race helped by Sunday's 5 point afternoon at Richmond. Swider scored his first hat trick of the season, and added a pair of assists, he now has 52 points through 30 games, and is a dozen points ahead of his nearest competitor in the scoring race. Coach Hillman says "night in, night out - Kevin Swider's a leader for this team and actually just found out that Mike Carter's the SPHL Player of the Week for this weekend."

Swider line mates Tim Vitek and Mike Carter have now moved into the scoring race's top 5; Vitek also had a 5-point game Sunday against the renegades. Hillman says "it was incredible, he was a plus-7 for the night - which is just amazing - I've definitely never seen anyone do that before."

The Ice Bears were able to move into first place despite 5 or more players affected by sickness. Forward Ryan Moore says "seems like a lot of guys are coming down with a little something - just got to battle through it - looks like we're going to be all right, though."

Ice Bears athletic trainer, Bill Murray has been on top of the situation. "We had several guys going down with some mild flu-like symptoms several days ago and have to be creative especially in a closed environment on a bus, so that you don't get the rest of the team going down with it. In fact, a couple nights ago we had a couple players travel separately by car so that they didn't get the rest of the team sick." Murray says "we're medicating them and hoping for the best with proper rest and forcing food and fluids, as well."

The civic coliseum's old scoreboards came down on Monday to make way for the Ice Bears new video scoreboards. Mike Murray, the Ice Bears GM thinks it will add another element of interaction for fans enjoying the game. "Having their face up after they score a goal, or some kind of human interest story we could put up on the board between periods.”

The Ice Bears Chris Rebernik was injured Thanksgiving night in Columbus, and placed on the 30-day injured reserve list - Rebernik came off the IR on December 29th,although he was physically not quite ready to re-enter the line-up.

Upcoming on ice promotions

The Ice Bears' upcoming game promotions are geared to all fans, no matter what the age.

On Friday, find out which fan has the fastest infant in the Ice Bears "baby derby!" Join the fun as babies crawl to the finish line in an on-ice race during intermission.

If you'd like to learn dance skills and professional techniques from the Hunnies dance team - get signed up for the Hunnies youth dance clinic.

The Hunnies youth dance clinic will be on Saturday, January 24th from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. There is a $35 fee and the clinic is open to kids ages 5-to-15 years old. But hurry up registration ends January 14th call the Ice Bears office at 865-525-puck to register.

And Saturday night is race night - the Ice Bears will play in special motor sports jerseys, then auction them off after the game ... so, get revved-up for that!

Youth Players of the Game

Last Friday, the Ice Bears recognized a brother and sister pair of amateur players who are tops in their youth hockey league ...

They welcomed Andy and Kate Whitcomb from west Knox county ... Andy's in 4th grade, and Kate's a first grader - both attend blue grass elementary school.

Mom Patti Whitcomb says she's "just really proud of them and just really excited that they got to do it together, cause they really wanted to get to do it together." Andy's skated for 2 years and is a member of the squirt black team at the Icearium and Kate's skated for 6 months, and plays in the Icearium's cross ice program.

Kate thought skating with her brother in front of all those Ice Bear fans was a little scary, but she liked it. Andy enjoyed sharing the night with his sister too, but he said all that was running through his head was that he really didn't want to get off the ice. Kate said "it was fun to get out there and see those fans."

Congratulations Andy and Kate!

Boosters Billiards tourney

You often hear hockey players are great golfers - well it turns out they're not bad pool players, either.

The Ice Bears booster club began hosting a billiards night for the players last season - turnout was so good, it's become an annual event.

On Monday night at the "Rack and Run" pool hall in west Knoxville, Ice Bears players matched up with booster club members for a tournament.

Ice Bears forward Chris Rebernik said "It's good just to get all the guys together and to hang out with the boosters, and help them fundraise and stuff like that, play some pool, it's always fun to get together after hours."

Kevin Swider, Ice Bears captain thought it was good for the boosters to "get a chance for them to meet the young guys, and kind of see what they're watching on the ice, meet them off the ice."

JJ Wrobel, Ice Bears forward said "this is kind of a game where most of the guys have played at some point in their lives, some are better than others, it's a social activity."

This year, tournament entries had to be cut-off, once the event sold out. Tennessee Overton, one of the Ice Bears booster enjoys the event because he gets "to have fun with the hockey players, to get to see the guys away from the rink, really see how they are, enjoy their company."

Ice Bears forward Derek Pallardy said "it's fun to cut loose a little bit with them, to shoot some pool, have some fun." One fan had a good time, even if his pool skills weren't so hot. Tom Ford said "I had one game and I knocked the 8 ball in on my first shot, so I'm getting ready to play my second game - hopefully I'll keep the 8 ball up there until later."

The Ice Bears booster club hosts a number of events each season with the players - coming up is a bowling night in January and a karaoke night in February.

So if you're not already a booster club member, get signed-up!