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
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