Knoxville Ice Bears

Defenseman of the Year

date: 03/28/2011

Knoxville’s Mark Van Vliet Named SBK Defenseman of the Year

March 28, 2011

CHARLOTTE, NC – The Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) on Monday announced that Mark Van Vliet of the Knoxville Ice Bears has been selected as the SBK Defenseman of the Year in a vote of league coaches and media representatives.

Augusta’s Luke Lucyk finished second in the balloting.

The third Ice Bear to receive the honor, Van Vliet led all defensemen in points (43), goals (15) game-winning goals (5) and shootout goals (2) despite missing 12 games due to injury.  Van Vliet, who was runner-up for the award last season, also finished second among blueliners with 28 assists and five power-play goals.

SPHL Defenseman of the Year Award Winners

2010-11 – Mark Van Vliet, Knoxville Ice Bears

2009-10 – Steve Weidlich, Mississippi Surge

2008-09 – Kevin Harris, Knoxville Ice Bears

2007-08 – Dan Vandermeer, Richmond Renegades

2006-07 – Brian Goudie, Richmond Renegades

2005-06 – Mike Clarke, Fayetteville FireAntz

2004-05 – Curtis Menzul, Knoxville Ice Bears

The SPHL will announce its Goaltender of the Year on Tuesday.

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