Knoxville Ice Bears

Ice Bears sign Hustead

date: 11/24/2009

November 23, 2009 - The Knoxville Ice Bears improved to third in the Southern Professional Hockey League standings after winning three road games last week. They hope to continue their winning streak, especially after adding another talented forward, Taylor Hustead, to their roster.

The Ice Bears acquired Taylor Hustead from the Pensacola Ice Flyers and signed him to a contract. Hustead is a 25-year-old forward from Scottsdale, Arizona. In 51 games with the Twin City Cyclones last season, he scored 24 goals, 38 assists and had 95 penalty minutes. Hustead was also called up to the Mississippi RiverKings of the Central Hockey League for six games last season.

Taylor Hustead and Donald Melnyk were teammates in Twin City last season.

“I hope they have the same chemistry as last season.  Taylor and Donald are both extremely excited to be reunited after both players put up great numbers when playing for the Twin City Cyclones.  With the addition of Taylor, this gives me the opportunity to have 3 top scoring lines,” commented head coach Marc Rodgers.

Before the 2008-2009 season, Hustead developed solid hockey career starting on the U.S. National Under-18 Team in 2000. Hustead played on this team until going to Miami University (Ohio) in 2002. Over the course of four seasons, he played 130 collegiate games, scored 20 goals, had 22 assists and 172 penalty minutes. After one year off, Hustead began playing professional hockey with the Muskegon Fury of the International Hockey League and then began his first season with the Twin City Cyclones.

In other player transactions, forward Travis Hanson was placed on 30-day injured reserve, and goalie Jordan Ramstead was released. The Ice Bears carried three goalies on their roster until now. Andrew Gallant and Dan Earles will continue to alternate at the goalie position.

The Knoxville Ice Bears next home game is AAA Member Appreciation Night & Weiner Dog Races Friday, November 27. AAA members can reserve advance tickets at the group rate, and everyone will be entertained by the infamous Weiner Dog Races, brought to you by AAA East Tennessee & the Maryville Daily Times. Help us stock the Young-Williams Animal Center’s Pet Food Pantry by bringing dry or canned pet food. The puck drops at 7:30 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum located in downtown Knoxville. So bring the whole family to spend an exciting night with the Ice Bears! Call (865) 525-PUCK for tickets or visit http://www.knoxvilleicebears.com.

 

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