With seven players reaching veteran status by the end of last season and only three vets allowed on the roster, the Ice Bears had some some tough decisions
Knoxville Ice Bears head coach Marc Rodgers announced that the team has filled the veteran positions with returning players. The SPHL allows three veteran players, ones that have played more than 224 professional games, per team. Captain Kevin Swider, defensemen Kevin Harris and Chris Brannen will fill those positions for Knoxville.
“Choosing the veteran players was a difficult decision because we had several talented players to choose from. So many players want to play for a championship team, so as a head coach, I have to evaluate several factors when filling the vet spots. It is a crucial decision for the success of the team. As a result, Mike Carter, Justin Keller and J.J. Wrobel will not be returning,” commented Coach Rodgers. All three players bring experience and leadership within our organization. They not only help us on the ice but also off the ice in teaching young players how to be real professionals. The city of Knoxville and the Ice Bears are extremely privileged to have these players wanting to stay in Knoxville as they could all play at higher levels. This says a great deal about their character. And that is why I wanted them by my side in our attempt to defend our Championships.
Kevin Swider is in his eighth season with the Knoxville Ice Bears, during which time he has been a dominant force on and off the ice. The young talent from Livonia, Michigan started his professional hockey career in the United Hockey League (UHL), where he played for two seasons. Swider’s first experience in Knoxville was in 2002, when the team was part of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League (ACHL). The next couple of seasons, Swider played for various teams in the World Hockey League Association 2 (WHA2), ECHL, and Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), including the Knoxville Ice Bears. Swider was named team captain of the Ice Bears in 2006. During his time in Knoxville, he has played in 301 games, scored 193 goals and accumulated 348 assists. Swider has led the SPHL in scoring since the league’s inception five seasons ago, and he has been a part of all three championship teams. Kevin is a winner, and is determination makes other people around him way better. That is very hard to do at any level. I expect great things from Kevin again this season as he does also.
Defenseman Kevin Harris will be starting his third season in Knoxville. The 5-11, 210 pound Manitoba native has helped strengthen the Ice Bears defense with an impressive plus/minus average of +48. In 127 games he has scored 22 goals and had 68 assists. Before coming to Knoxville, Harris had an extensive playing career in several other leagues, including the Central Hockey League, International Hockey league and ECHL. Kevin and his wife have falling in love with Knoxville and the Ice Bears organization. Kevin has showed that he could be an elite player at this level and I will expect nothing less from him this upcoming season.
The third veteran spot will be filled by defenseman Chris Brannen, who came to the Ice Bears partway through last season. Until that time, his professional hockey career was based in the Central Hockey League. He played for the Topeka Tarantulas, Odessa Jackalopes and Rocky Mountain Rage. Brannen then came to Knoxville and played 50 games. During that time, he scored three goals, had ten assists and ended the season with a plus/minus of +17.
“I am happy to be returning to Knoxville. I am not one of the most flashy or physical players on the ice. It’s just not my style. My strength is in anticipating the opponent’s moves, and making our defense stronger. In the past, Knoxville has been typically known for its offensive prowess, but their defense has often needed to be further developed. That’s where I fit into the puzzle,” said Brannen.
Chris is not only a great player on the ice, he is a great leader in the dressing. The level of play he brings to this league and this team blows me away. When the game is on the line he will do whatever it takes to win and again that just shows me what kind of character player Chris is for us.
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