Coach Hillman Leaves The Ice Bears

Coach Scott Hillman parts ways with the SPHL Champion Ice Bears to head to the CHL.

The Knoxville Ice Bears announced that head coach Scott Hillman has resigned to become the head coach of a Central Hockey League (CHL) expansion team in Independence, Missouri. Hillman accomplished an amazing feat since coming onboard with the Knoxville Ice Bears. In his first two seasons as a professional bench boss he led the Ice Bears to both the President’s Cup and Coffey Trophy Championships two years in a row. This is a first in the history of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL).
A native of LaSalle, Ontario, Canada, Hillman obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor, where he was the captain of the Lancers, an All-Canadian and the highest scoring defenseman in the nation (CIS). Hillman went on to have a successful career in the ECHL, Germany, the WPHL and concluded his career with 8 straight seasons with the Odessa Jackalopes of the CHL. He is the Jackalopes all time leader in games played with 446, second in all time assists with 260 and second in all time scoring with 326 points. He was the player/assistant coach for three years under the direction of Don McKee. During that time, he earned many other accolades, including 3-time team captain of the CHL All-Star team and the CHL Man of the Year for Community Involvement.

Hillman came to Knoxville in September 2007 to replace Jim Bermingham. During the 2007-2008 season, the Knoxville Ice Bears compiled a regular season record of 32-16-4 and a playoff record of 6-2. The team swept the Jacksonville Barracudas to win the league championship. The following year, Hillman’s team ended the regular season with a record of 35-16-9 and a playoff record of 7-5. The Ice Bears defeated the Fayetteville FireAntz to defend their title. Since 2007, nine Ice Bears players have been called up to higher leagues.
Hillman said, “I want to thank Mike Murray and the entire ownership group and the entire staff of the Knoxville Ice Bears for the incredible support. They not only supported me during my two seasons as the Ice Bears head coach, but also through this new opportunity as I move on to a higher level of hockey. They want the Knoxville Ice Bears organization to be successful, but more importantly, they care about every individual involved. I also want to thank the booster club, the season ticket holders and all of the of the amazing Ice Bears fans. Without you, Knoxville would not be the premier place to play hockey in the SPHL.”
“When I brought him here two years ago, I knew he was going to be a great fit. He not only produced results on the ice, but Scott represented our organization well in the community. We are sad to see Scott leave Knoxville and the Knoxville Ice Bears organization; however, we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors,” commented president and general manager Mike Murray.
The Ice Bears will immediately begin an official search to fill the head coach position.
The announcement was made at a press conference at The Knoxville Civic Auditorium. For more information visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com.