Ice Notes

Who's back from the IR, who got the call up, and Bears creeping ahead in the scoring race.

Forward Derek Pallardy came off 30-day injured reserve last week, and in his first weekend back in the line-up Pallardy got the Ice Bears on the board first against the renegades. He was a +1 in both weekend games; the time off didn't hurt him. "Just a great weekend he contributed in all ends of the rink, scored a goal today. we're just real excited to have him back healthy,” Ice Bears coach Scott Hillman said of Pallardy.

Alternate captain BJ Pelkey joined the 20-goal club for the second time in his 2-year pro career. Pelkey scored his 20th on Saturday against Richmond

Ice Bears defenseman Mark Van Vliet played a pair of games over the weekend on call-up with the Cincinnati cyclones of the ECHL. The defending Kelly Cup Playoff champs won both contests against the Dayton Bombers. "Rosters got a great report from Mark Van Vliet, had a great first game, played some power play time,” Hillman said.

Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider added a goal and 3 assists to his league-leading scoring race point total. Swider's accumulated 79 points, which is 15 ahead of his nearest competitor. The Ice Bears now have 5 scorers among the top 25 in the league. Joining Swider are linemates Tim Vitek, and Mike Carter, along with Pelkey and Justin Keller

Once again, Ice Bears net minders Andrew Gallant and Kirk Irving are ranked first and second among the league's best goalies. Irving won in goal on Friday against Fayetteville, while Gallant lost in a shootout Saturday against Richmond.




Picture courtesy of Jeff Haas, Laura Adkins and Lee Montgomery via Volzeye.com

Karaoke Night

It was another memorable night of singing and carousing with the players taking center stage on karaoke night.

The Ice Bears booster club again hosted the fellowship evening at big mama's karaoke cafe in Seymour. Among the singers - boosters and hunnies dance team members joined Ice Bears for a few selections.






By the way, here are a couple booster club event dates to mark on your calendar:

->Saturday, March 14th during the game against twin city, the boosters hold the annual player basket auction at the coliseum

->Monday march 16th is another billiards night at "rack -n- run."


Support the Ice Bears by joining the boosters club!


Picture courtesy of Pam via Volzeye.com

Mike Craigen returns to the Bear Cave

Hockey fans either loved or hated him - this former Ice Bear was known throughout the league to "stir the pot."

Ice Bears fans got to see one of the league's all-time top penalty getters here at the rink this weekend, former Ice Bear Mike Craigen returned to help judge the Miss Ice Bear competition, and catch up with his former fans and teammates. Craigen's accustomed to seeing his name on the score sheet - but this time, he was the one keeping score.

On Friday, the Ice Bears pressed Craigen into service, although he was in town vacationing. The 26-year-old spent time in the press box providing color analysis for the Knoxville-Fayetteville game webcast.

Then, Saturday - Craigen visited with old teammates, including KJ Voorhees. "He was a good friend of mine,” Voorhees said. “He was kind of the unofficial mayor of Knoxville hockey. He meant a lot to this association, so it is good to have him back."

"Tonight was the first time I was kinda able to sit down and watch, look around and see everybody and see the starting line up, hear Mark Atnip's voice and it's a good crowd and tonight I get the itch a little bit tonight,” Mike Craigen said.

Craigen contributed on the Ice Bears 2006-2007 championship team - but winning his second playoffs last season with Knoxville is the one he treasures. "I didn't know last year was my last year when I won it, so it makes it all that more special that in my last year I got a chance to win it in front of the home crowd and carry the trophy around in front of all these fans."

Craigen retired from pro hockey last season after years of sacrificing personal income by playing in the minor leagues. "It's no big secret that there's not a lot of money in the SPHL,” Craigen said. “It's got nothing to do with the Ice Bears -- it's tough."

The 5-foot-3 former forward now works full-time as a telephone lineman for Bell Canada and he says his customers appreciate him. "You would be surprised how many people are so happy that I even show up. A lot of people don't like the phone company. So yeah, I get cheered sometimes."

Craigen plays in a senior mens' hockey league at home in Buckhorn, Ontario, Canada, which is about 100 miles from Toronto. The crowds at his games now, are much smaller. "It's definitely not the same as being down here with the Ice Bears. Instead of there being three thousand people there's like two hundred people watching, but it's okay." Craigen says he's content with his new career, but he doesn't rule out someday returning to professional hockey.

Craigen's visit brings to mind one of the loudest cheering sections at last season's Ice Bears home games, but with his retirement, "Craigen's Crew" now appears to have disbanded. Section "G" at the Civic Coliseum is relatively quiet these days. Ice Bears season ticket holders who used to band together to cheer on their favorite player have moved their seats closer to center ice ...

"When Craigen left, everybody else left," said Patti Humbard, a former member of Craigen's Crew. Bill Humbard said "It's awful quiet. There's not a lot of people sitting in this section, unless you're just coming in to view a game."

Patti and Bill Humbard from Jefferson City are among the few holdovers still in section "G." They remember the Craigen's Crew years when their section used rock every time number 16 took the ice. "It was unbelievable,” Bill said. “The atmosphere around here, you just couldn't describe it."

"You see a little guy competing physically where most of the other guys are a little bigger, Mike's dad Rob Craigen said. “It's kind of neat, it's like cheering for the underdog."

Craigen tells us he had dinner with his "crew" after Saturday night's game.

Upcoming Game Night Promotions

You might think coming off last weekend's game night promotions - Mardi gras, and miss Ice Bear - would be hard to beat, but more family friendly entertainment is headed our way.

Thursday night, the Ice Bears celebrate the "Man in Black's" birthday. Join the festivities for the Johnny Cash 77th birthday bash! Tennessee's known as the home of country music, and the Ice Bears celebrate one of that music's best. Be part of the fun, and make sure to wear your black! Thursday night is also dollar days - just a buck for hot dogs, small popcorn and drinks.

This Friday is the deadline for season ticket renewals. The Ice Bears play 29 home games in the 2009 -2010 season. Adult prices range from $285 to $705. And don't forget to order your Ice Bears playoff tickets!

And join Ice Bears players for an afternoon of street hockey this Sunday from 2-until 4 pm. The game will be held at Dr. Bennett's office, located at 3018 Mall Road South, by Knoxville Center Mall.


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Youth Players of the Game

On Saturday, the Ice Bears recognized another brother and sister who stand out in their youth hockey leagues.

Rachel and Brandon Wolfenbarger are hockey playing siblings. 7-year-old Rachel goes to school at A.L. Lotts Elementary, and plays defense for the Silver Bullet Mite team. 4-year-old Brandon attends Concord United Methodist Preschool and is in the Ice Chalet's Cross Ice program.

"They couldn't wait,” mom Traci Wolfenbarger said. “We've been planning this for several weeks, so they were thrilled. I watch them every week in practice. Both of them practice twice a week. It was awesome. I was so proud of them. they did great."

Congratulations Rachel and Brandon!

Miss Ice Bear 2009 [Video]

The Annual Miss Ice Bear pageant drew in the fans again this year.

Eleven East Tennessee beauties took the ice between both the first and second intermissions to impress the panel of judges. No talent competition required, but the ladies showed "personality plus" as they aimed to represent the Ice Bears as the team's beauty queen. The Saturday night event consisted of an evening gown competition, followed by swim wear. Judges chose three finalists, with 21-year-old Heather Chastain of Maryville winning this year's crown. "When I got top there I was really nervous because I really wanted to win,” Heather said. “Then when I saw that I won, I was like... I don't know what to do. I kind of wanted to scream."

Heather works at a Knoxville dining establishment, known for its attractive serving staff.

Congratulations Heather Chastain - Miss Ice Bear 2009!

Richmond Renegades Suspend Operations

The Richmond Renegades will be suspending operations after this season. Read the full news release inside.


At a News conference held in the Richmond Coliseum on Tuesday Richmond Renegades President/GM, Allan B. Harvie, Jr. advised the media and fans that, barring an infusion of capital from an investor or the sale of the team, he will request permission from the SPHL to suspend hockey operations for next season following the playoffs.

“This has been an extremely trying year for everybody financially,” stated Harvie. “We have our loyal fans and sponsors who continue to support hockey but unfortunately there are not enough of them to begin to pay the cost of operating a team. The economy has driven a spike into the heart of the leisure time market and fans have very hard choices to make with their money. Despite having an exciting team currently in second place, fans simply cannot afford to come to games on a regular basis. It used to be fans would come at least once a week and now they’re lucky if they can afford to come once a month.”

Harvie stated that the Renegades request to suspend operations for next season should not be taken as any kind of an indication that there is any problem with the SPHL. He claims just the opposite is the case.

“The SPHL overall is very healthy and it appears that there will be two or more teams coming in next season,” he continued. “The league has done more than you can imagine to assist Richmond over the past few weeks. They really want us to continue to be a part of the SPHL family but the SPHL Board also understands this is a business. We don’t want to be a drag on the growth of the league.”

“The Richmond economy is what has forced us to step back and take a break. There have been an abnormally high number of companies and government agencies in Richmond who have run into financial problems. Every day we read about one more Richmond company in trouble. That has caused a ripple effect throughout the entire business community. As I have stated before, when our fans have to choose between buying health insurance, gas or hockey tickets, the choice is obvious.”

Harvie also thanked the fans and sponsors for their support of hockey since he first brought the original Renegades to Richmond in 1990.

“It’s been a true labor of love for me, Tracy (Hynes) and Brian (Nevetral) every minute of every day. However, over the past few weeks I have continued to speak with many of our sponsors and they have told me they cannot continue to support us at the same financial level, if at all. We placed playoff tickets on sale and the pre-sale was not at all encouraging. We put season tickets on sale for next season and their sale was almost negligible, even when considering the carry over from unused playoff tickets. Those signs are good indicators of what’s happening in the marketplace.” Fans who had paid for or placed deposits on season tickets for the 2009-2010 season will receive refunds “beginning immediately” stated Harvie. Playoff tickets will not be affected as “we should go deep this season” stated Harvie.

At several occasions during the press conference Harvie noted that he has spoken with an investor who has expressed a sincere interest in either investing in the team or a possible purchase.

“This gentleman is very financially set and has an excellent sports and marketing background. He would be a great fit for the Renegades and the fans,” noted Harvie. “We have spoken and will continue to discuss his possible involvement with the Renegades and should that happen it would mean that the team would not need to suspend at the end of the season; something that would excite everybody. I will keep you posted on the progress of these meetings and conversations.”

Harvie said that he had met with his players and Coach earlier in the morning at SkateNation in Short Pump. “These are professional players and I felt they were entitled to know what our plans our. I want them to be focused 100% on winning a championship because we have a very real opportunity to do that this season with these “cardiac kids”. They are so exciting to watch.”

Harvie went on, “Since I first brought hockey to Richmond I have always been up front with my fans and sponsors and I’m not going to change now. That’s why I think it’s important to let everybody know where we stand. It’s indeed a very, very sad day not just for hockey but for professional sports in Richmond. I would ask all sports fans to come out in huge numbers on March 13th, 15th and 21st to say thanks to Coach Goudie and these young men for the fantastic entertainment they have provided over the past years.

From RRenegades.com

Bench Clearing Brawl [Video]

Check out these videos of the bench clearing brawl in the Twin Cities.


On Friday the Twin City Cyclones hosted the Columbus Cottonmouths in a game that quickly turned into a scene out of "Slap Shot."







Fridays Brawl resulted in twenty penalties for 8 players and suspensions for 7 of those players ranging from 1 to 5 games.


And this one is just for fun. Enjoy:

Ice Notes

Catch up on this weeks roster moves, how the Ice Bears stack up in the scoring race and who's getting called up.

The Ice Bears have accomplished an unprecedented achievement in SPHL hockey, for the first time in memory - 3 players from the same team hold down the league's top 3 positions in the scoring race, and 2 of the league's top 3 goaltenders are also on that same team.

Ice Bears linemates Kevin Swider, Tim Vitek and Mike Carter lead all scorers with 76, 61, and 59 points respectively - the 3 highest scorers in the SPHL. Team captain Swider recorded his 30th goal of the season on Friday against the Cyclones, and is closing in on his 5th consecutive league scoring title. "You just know you can call on him for a big goal at key times," said Ice Bears coach Scott Hillman.

"I think it's gotta be our practice - we work hard in practice - so it's definitely our conditioning is up right now." Said Vitek, who notched his twentieth goal on Thursday at Huntsville.

Carter scored his second pro hat trick to boost his point total during the Ice Bears 7 games in 9 days stretch. "I believe he sees himself as one of the best players in this league and he's playing with confidence, skating and shooting the puck,” said Hillman.

Ice Bears netminders Andrew Gallant and Kirk Irving are among the league's best goalies. Gallant ranks first among tenders playing 15 games or more, while Irving holds down the third slot behind the Cottonmouths' Ian Vigier. "It comes to team success,” Irving said. “In the end, what we want is a championship, and whether it's him playing better or myself playing better, in the end it's just a ring on the finger is all that matters, as long as we get the win in the end of the day."

The Ice Bears mascot, "Chilly" suited up on the road Friday in Richmond - but not in his costume. Instead Rob Wilson dressed as the team's emergency back-up goaltender to starter Irving. "Andrew Gallant was very ill after the game in Huntsville, and thank goodness the bus needed to travel just about right through Knoxville knowing rob had some goaltending experience in his background,” Coach Hillman said. "'Chilly bear' our bus driver, our back-up goaltender and also functioned as our equipment manager."

And another call-up! Ice Bears defenseman Mark Van Vliet received the team's second call-up of the season. The Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL requested Van Vliet for a pair of weekend home games.
Coach Hillman tells hockey Loedown the Cincinnati club will evaluate Van Vliet following those games to determine the length of his stay. And by the way, the Cyclones are the ECHL defending Kelly Cup playoff champs.

That roster move creates room in the Ice Bears line-up for Derek Pallardy - he came off 30-day injured reserve on Tuesday

Last week, the Twin City Cyclones signed former Knoxville defenseman Jared Siganuk to a season-long contract, after previously signing him to a 3-game tryout. Siganuk played in Knoxville Saturday, wearing the number 27 sweater for the Cyclones.



Picture courtesy of Haas Designs and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Upcoming Game Night Promotions

The Ice Bears may be playing before a pair of sell-out crowds when they take home ice this weekend.

The Ice Bears are blowing it out on Friday night with a huge Mardi gras celebration here at the rink. Can't make it to new Orleans this year? Celebrate with the Ice Bears as they entertain the Fayetteville Fireantz, specialty game jerseys will be auctioned off after the game.

On Saturday, when the boys host the Richmond Renegades, East Tennessee beauties compete in the annual Miss Ice Bear Competition. Finalists are judged in evening gowns and swim wear at center ice during both intermissions of the Ice Bears' game. Knoxville fan favorite Mike Craigen will return to the coliseum - not to suit up - but to serve as a celebrity judge for the miss ice bear contest.

And bring your autograph books on Saturday - after the Ice Bears game - Mikey Craigen will sign autographs!

Youth Player of the Game

On Saturday, the Ice Bears recognized a couple members of its hockey team family - coach Hillman's sons took the ice in the game night opening ceremonies honoring the boys as youth players of the game.

The team welcomed 6-year-old Corbin Hillman and his little brother, 2-year-old Guhnar Hillman. "Well, yeah, I am pretty excited and I'll have some fun," said Corbin.

Corbin plays left wing on the silver mite team at the Icearium at Cool Sports in Farragut. "It has a lot of meaning for them to be a part of the their own junior organization - they're proud," added mom, Dalyn Hillman. "The team is like family to us, and for the boys to skate out there during the game or before the game - it makes it more just like family."

Congratulations Corbin and Guhnar!

Gage Gets His Groove On!

The Hunnies dance team along with "Dancing Mike" Delozier rock the Ice Bears home games with their choreographed moves, now, add another "hoofer" to the bear cave line-up of entertainers!

Young hockey season ticket holder Gage Eggers of Jefferson City is now a regular game night feature, and he's just 4-years-old!

Young Gage is "dancing mike's" protege', "I like it, and I love it, and I like it and I love to dance with him!" Gage said. "Dancing Mike" adds, "I just noticed he was dancing all the time and figured I'd just go dance with him!"

Gage has attended Ice Bears games with his parents since he was born. "He loves it, there's no child here that loves hockey any better than him - nobody. he loves it." Stacey Eggers, Gage's mom said.

We'll watch for Gage's dancing development in the season's to come!

Ice Notes

Catch up on this weeks roster moves, who's on top of their game, and a major league milestone.

Ice Bears Alternate Captain Mike Carter kept the goal judges busy on Sunday. The fifth year pro out of Cambridge, Ontario, Canada recorded his second hat trick of the season, in leading the boys to victory over the Columbus Cottonmouths. "Great teammates I'm playing with - what can I say about Kevin and Tim ... you know I love playing with them and they're great players, and so it's good!" Carter said after the game. Coach Hillman added, "Mike Carter is truly is playing the best of his career right now."

The Ice Bears recent acquisition from Fayetteville - forward Justin Keller - continued to put the puck in the net. Over the weekend, Keller scored in 2 of the team's 3 games. "Like Hilly said, 'just go out there, and take shots and you never know, they might go in,' so that's what I've been doing." Keller said.

Forward Frank Furdero scored in his first shifts back from sitting 30-days on injured reserve. Furdero's 6th goal of the season came Friday night against the havoc. "When I pulled it back and shot and I seen the back of the net whip, it was the best feeling in the world,” Furdero said. “I've scored lots of goals and every goal feels like your first one."

Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider scored his 25th goal of the season on Friday - and was named star of the game for netting a pair of goals, including his 7th game-winning goal of the season. "We've been doing a great job of widening the gap between us and the rest of the league and 3 out of 4 games played against Huntsville and beaten them all three times has definitely been something we looked forward to" Swider said.

Swider also had a hand in all 4 Ice Bears goals in Sunday's win against Columbus, with those 4 helpers, the Livonia, Michigan native continued to lead the SPHL scoring race with 70 points in 41 games played.

Ice Bears forward Derek Pallardy remains on the 30 day IR until next Tuesday - at that time, the Ice Bears will have to make another roster move, or keep Pallardy on injured reserve for a second 30-day stint, just as they did last year with forward Chris Affinati, who eventually quit the team for lack of playing time.

You may remember last year that that full Ice Bears roster also had Matt Withers on the IR for two full months, but unlike Affinati, Withers stayed with the team, and is considered part of last year's championship team.

Ice Bears athletic trainer Bill Murray celebrated a career milestone over the weekend. Murray logged his 1800th game behind the bench - that's one-thousand, 8-hundred nights of keeping players healthy and tending to their injuries. "Just a sense of accomplishment and a little bit of reflection looking back on those years and starting out, and how quickly it's passed by," Murray said.

Murray has worked 21 years in professional hockey - from the minor leagues to the NHL new jersey devils ... 2 Stanley cup rings for this trainer! "Game 7 of the Stanley cup victories as the most memorable game for sure - 2003.”

Bill Murray's also worked 5 seasons of professional baseball, a year of pro football, and 2 years in minor league basketball...a true sportsman!




Picture courtesy of Jeff Haas of Haas Designs and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Renegades Fold?

Just two weeks after SPHL owners met here in Knoxville to discuss league expansion, the Richmond Renegades owner is worried his league franchise may fold.

Allan Harvie Jr. told the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Friday that the Renegades are skating on thin ice. Harvie says he stands to lose more than a quarter-million dollars this season - the Renegades' attendance is down nearly 20%, and some sponsors are not paying their bills.

"Alan's just got to do the best that he can with what he's got,” Ice Bears GM, Mike Murray said. "Hopefully, if he can't make it with what he's got there, he can sell it and keep that franchise alive."

The SPHL's director of hockey operations, Bill Coffey, told the newspaper he doesn't think next season will be as good financially as this season. Coffey predicts "a 10-percent drop in everything."

SPHL Officiating

This season, the SPHL hired a director of officiating, instead of having league commissioner Jim combs try to oversee on-ice game officials, along with all his other duties.

The hiring of Scott Brand of USA Hockey is designed to upgrade the calling of SPHL games. Brand is the coordinator for development of officials. "He's got over 8 guys that he has grouped from junior hockey all the way to the national hockey league," SPHL Commissioner Jim Combs said. "I definitely think it will improve the officiating. Now we're dealing with the full-time officials who do nothing but referee hockey. A lot of the officials come from junior hockey and they're used to dealing with 16, 17, 18 year olds and now they have to step up into this right away and they're dealing with men so it's a little bit different, but that's a good way to break them into the league."
"My famous quote to our owners used to be that we have the best officials in our price range and what we were paying versus what we were getting was exactly what we paid for. A referee gets paid $200 a game, he does not get paid any travel and his hotel room is taken care of the night of the game. It's not a get-rich-quick plan, anybody that wants to look at officiating as a get-rich-quick plan is really in the wrong business. They do it because they love the game, they have a passion for it, they want to be continue to be involved in it, and they have an opportunity with Scott and the SPHL to hone their skills here and go to the ECHL, American hockey league, and eventually all the way to the NHL"

"Scott brand has been to our arena several times and he takes the time to sit with us after the game and get our opinions, but also we're rating these officials every game and he's reading because he lets us know what he agrees, disagrees, so it's a real hands-on learning experience,” Ice Bears coach Scott Hillman said. "We have to remember they're here to develop, they're very young and they are learning, every mistake that's made they're learning from it. And we have to keep that in mind, and obviously emotions get very heated and but at the end of the day - I'm under the understanding that we're here to help those guys, just like they're here to help us."

And as part of the officials' development, the SPHL is using an NHL-approved 4-man system for 15 regular season games.

Pictures courtesy of Jeff Haas of Haas Designs and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Upcoming Ice Bears Promotions

The Ice Bears thanked all their loyal fans over the weekend with a fan appreciation day.

Everyone got their favorite player's autograph after Sunday's game. "Getting to meet all the players; getting pictures signed, it's just really nice, you get to interact, you feel like you're a part of it,” one Ice Bears fan, Laura Adkins said.

Coming up on Monday night - February 16th - the Ice Bears booster club is hosting another round of karaoke with the players at Big Mama's Karaoke Cafe. Karaoke night tickets are $6 and available only in advance at the booster club table during this Saturday's home game intermission.

Also at Saturday's game, the Ice Bears will host a special Valentine's Day promotion - so bring your date to the game, the puck drops at 7:30 against the Twin City Cyclones.

Youth Player of the Game

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

Corey Lindsay is an 8-year-old second grader at Farragut Primary in West Knox County. He plays right wing on the squirt travel team, based at the Icearium at Cool Sports.

"It's really fun, I like it," Corey said. When asked what was the most exciting part of the night, Corey said it was "skating around, and coming out."

Knoxville hockey fans know Corey's dad - Jeff Lindsay - who played defense for the Cherokees in 1989 and 1990. "It gives him some encouragement, let him have fun and see what it's all going to be about," said Jeff.
"It's a real proud moment, hopefully one day he can do this and lead the guys out there."

Corey's a good skater - just like his dad. Congratulations Corey Lindsay!

Wiener Dog Races!

The Ice Bears crowned another "top dog" as champion! The second round of "wiener dog" races held Friday at the coliseum brought out all types in the dachshund family breed, from puppies, to papas, these hounds competed to determine east Tennessee's "fastest dog on ice!"
Two semi-final heats determined which 6 dogs would race in the final. Judging is based on speed only. This year's champ is a repeat winner, "Jazzy" is a 3-year-old chocolate long-haired dachshund from Knoxville, owned by Robyn brewer.

“She is obsessed with her tennis ball,” owner Robyn Brewer said. “And she's obsessed with her mama, so she just runs for it!"

Picture courtesy of Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Ice Notes

Catch up on this weeks roster moves, including suspensions and who's on the IR.


Another honor for the Ice Bears - the SPHL named Ice Bears netminder Andrew Gallant player of the week. Gallant recorded both wins last week against the havoc. "just amazing, and it's about time is all we can say about that." Coach Scott Hillman said. "Absolutely outstanding. One goal against at home, and two goals on the road where he really got peppered with a lot of shots." Gallant continues to lead the league in goal tending with a 2.43 goals against average, and a 92-percent save percentage. His stats include 14 wins, 4 losses, 1 overtime loss, and 1 shutout.

Knoxville newcomer Justin Keller continues to add to his Ice Bears point total. Keller had a pair of two-goal games last week, adding 5 hash marks to his 29 points. He's now moved up among the top 25 scorers; remember, Keller finished 5th in league scoring last season for Fayetteville with 30 goals, and 70 points. Coach Hillman said, "That's exactly why we brought him here. We couldn't be happier with the trade and happier for Justin, we can tell he's in the right spot for him at this time in his career."

Ice Bears forward Shaun Norrie also put together quite a week with 2 game winners. Norrie posted a 3-goal weekend, including a pair on Friday night against the renegades. "I feel like my game is coming together well,” Norrie said. “Just working hard in practice, and it is coming through to the game."

Defenseman Brett Smith - who had that highlight reel goal in last season's playoffs against Columbus - is coming on strong in the scoring column. The former Boston television series star from Hudson, Massachusetts grabbed a goal and two assists last week. Coach Hillman said, “He's really been bringing his game up, and with him and Harris playing together and now Martell and Brannen playing together that's two real solid defensive pairs that also have a good offensive punch."


Ice Bears captain Kevin Swider continues to lead the SPHL scoring race with 62 points in 38 games played. Swider picked up a goal and 3 assists last week, and is on pace for another regular season total of 90-plus points. "Kevin, again just contributing on a nightly basis, whenever we need that big goal,” Coach Hillman said. “In Huntsville, it took all of 5 seconds on the power play to just bury a goal that the goalie had no chance on." Swider's 8 points ahead of his closest competitors. Linemate Tim Vitek pulled back into a second place tie in the scoring race with Fayetteville's Rob Sich. Both Vitek and Sich now have 54 points in the standings, but Vitek also now leads all players in the plus-minus ranking, with an amazing plus-20. Swider/Vitek linemate mike carter is close behind with 49 points, tied for 7th in the individual stats race. Hillman said, "I can't say enough about those guys - they are hustling in both ends of the rink - they're working hard defensively - I believe, harder than they worked last year defensively."

Coaches activated Frank Furdero from injured reserve a week ago Monday - but Furdero's now back in town from emergency leave from the team. "Frankie's gone through a little bit of personal tragedy here,” Hillman said. “But so glad he's back with us, back almost to health, we do expect to see him in the line-up all 3 games this weekend if things go well."

Defenseman Jared Siganuk played sparingly in last week's games, although he threw his weight around in this shift Thursday against Richmond. Coach Hillman said, "We're setting with 19 healthy guys and we do have to move one. Unfortunately we have to part ways with Jared, but again we wish him nothing but the best and we're so pleased with everything he's done, and just how much he's progressed as a 21-year-old rookie." On Tuesday, the Twin City Cyclones claimed Siganuk off waivers.




Picture courtesy of Haas Designs and Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com

Wrobel Hits Milestone

Ice Bears forward J.J. Wrobel reached a milestone that few players attain in their professional ice hockey careers - he played his 500th game as a pro.

The organization honored Wrobel with a special presentation prior to Saturday night's home game. The left winger's milestone came on January 23rd at Columbus, in this, his 9th professional season. "I can honestly say i was choked up a little bit see all the fans and the guys clapping and shaking my hand," J.J. Wrobel, Ice Bears forward said. "I look over my shoulder and there is my mother and father - it blew me away. So it was real special to have them there and of course my girlfriend from Richmond. I mean you see the retirement ceremonies and the jerseys, but this was just a special as anything I've ever seen on the ice. Even here we are three days later and it still really hasn't even set in all the way. It is something obviously I'll remember for the rest of my life."

The Ice Bears presented Wrobel with a crystal trophy, a jersey, a framed photo and a silver stick commemorating his achievement. "Last year, after the championship and being so happy here in Knoxville, he definitely decided he wanted to be back for one more,” Ice Bear's Head Coach Scott Hillman said. “He's such a great leader in the locker room, we're just really lucky to have him here."

The West Lorne, Ontario, Canada native has played professionally throughout the united states in Alaska, California, Illinois, New York, Virginia and Tennessee. Wrobel - who turns 33-years-old this month - competed in a number of leagues including the UHL, the WCHL, and the SPHL.

"Like my mother and father said to me too bad i didn't find this place five years ago,” Wrobel said. "It's just first class all the way. In all the leagues I played in this is by far the classiest organization I think I have been a part of for sure."

Wrobel's 500 games far outdistances the Ice Bears other 2 veterans - Captain Kevin Swider played his 400th pro game Saturday night against Huntsville; and defenseman Chris Brannen has now played 285 professional games.



Picture courtesy of Jeff Haas of Haas Designs via Volzeye.com

Road Trip!

Dozens of Ice Bears die hard fans hit the road to Alabama to cheer on the Bears as they took on the Havoc.

More than 50 fans loaded a chartered bus from Knoxville to cheer on the boys against their chief rival.
"I believe we were louder than the Huntsville fans,” Dave Weatherford, Ice Bears fan said. “They had 49-hundred people there they said, but i think we out-shouted them."

These "road warriors" paid one price for the bus trip, game tickets and the chance to support the Ice Bears while all spectating as one large Knoxville contingent at Huntsville's Von Braun center. "The guys glance up there and it gives you an extra little something to dig for and that kind of support is pretty rare,”Ice Bears Coach Scott Hillman said. “So we sure appreciate that."

"When we started to get back on our bus, Coach Hillman was on the bus and he was shaking everybody's hand and thanking them for coming to the game,” Weatherford said. “And then right after that, Swider and Carter got on the bus and got on the p.a. system and thanked everybody for coming. so, it was great."

Late getting back - the road warriors didn't pull in until almost 5 am on Sunday.

Upcoming Game Night Promotions

Friday night, East Tennessee's fastest dachshunds will once again race on the ice from goal line to goal line - it's a real crowd pleaser!

Back in November, Tootie took top honors in the Ice Bears first round of wiener dog races, and she may be back to defend her title! "She came out strong, about 2 races ago.“ Tootie's owner Angela Swider said. ”We didn't do any training this time, but she did really good!"

Throughout Friday evening, the Ice Bears will give special recognition to the game's host charity - The Mid South Chapter of The National Society of Multiple Sclerosis. A silent auction will help create awareness of MS and raise money to fight the disease that attacks the central nervous system. "We have some items that have been donated to us from Clay Walker. He's a country music star and he has MS." Kathy Aldrich, an Ice Bears fan and MS sufferer said. “MS is a disease that they don't have a cure for. It can range from numbness, tingling, loss of vision, not being able to walk."

This Sunday is fan appreciation day - if you still need an Ice Bears' autograph - be sure to stick around after the Ice Bears/Cottonmouths' game - all Knoxville players will be signing autographs. Also on Sunday - East Tennessee firefighters will face-off during intermission in an ice hockey battle of the badges.

If you have a wiener dog that wants to race, call the Ice Bears front office - 525- p-u-c-k.

Youth Player of the Game

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

The Ice Bears welcomed Bradley Rayment, a 6-year-old kindergartner at Hardin Valley Elementary.
, father of youth player of the game, 1/30/09 renegades disc @ 18:52 (clip 44)>-
"It takes a while to explain to him that he is not actually playing with the team,” Bradley's Dad,Shawn Rayment said. “That is just skating out there to stand for the anthem with them, but he really likes it. Hopefully he will continue."

Bradley began skating just 6 months ago at the ice chalet in Bearden. "I just couldn't be prouder of him,” Shawn said. “I wish I could have done that when I was a kid, but we didn't have this kind of hockey where I grew up. It is a lot of fun watching him."

The Rayment's are originally from New Brunswick, Canada and moved to Knoxville about 2 years ago.

Congratulations Bradley!

Mascot Mania

Friday night at the coliseum the Ice Bears hosted "Mascot Mania."

Mascots came from far and wide - some we've never seen before - they entertained fans during intermission with a modified game of broomball. Not sure who's mascot spiderman is, maybe "marvel comics?"

Anyway - Spiderman stole the show - setting a mascot scoring record with something like 3 goals. Peter Parker spun a web of victory, Friday night.

Picture courtesy of Laura Adkins via Volzeye.com