Knoxville Ice Bears

Knoxville Ice Bears clinch regular season title

date: 03/18/2009

March 18, 2009 - People speak of a team’s “drive to the playoffs.” The Knoxville Ice Bears have not only made that drive, they’re in the pole position for the playoffs. That’s not to say that anyone on the squad is apt to be cocky about clinching first place in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) playoffs, but it does speak of a team that is confident, unified and ready to do some serious destruction during the playoffs. As the SPHL presents the Knoxville Ice Bears with the William B. Coffey Trophy (for the top spot in the standings) on Thursday, March 19 before the Fayetteville FireAntz game, it’s a sure bet that the team is happy with the trophy, but far from satisfied about the season. Nothing less than ‘The Championship’ will satisfy, that’s for sure.

 

Fans can not only see the Ice Bears receive the William B. Coffey Trophy for the fourth time in five seasons, but they can also enjoy the most affordable game of the year. Silver level tickets will only be $5 at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum box office. Plus the crowd will receive free parking and $1.00 hot dogs, small sodas and popcorn, compliments of Comcast, tomorrow night.

 

As the team gears up for playoff season the big question is the playoff schedule. The SPHL will experience several intense games as the regular season comes to an end on Saturday. The Fayetteville FireAntz, Columbus Cottonmouths, Huntsville Havoc and the Richmond Renegades are all fighting for spots inn the playoffs. As it stands now, only one point separates second, third and fourth places. Since the SPHL playoff structure has changed, only the top four teams will advance to playoffs. All schedules will be confirmed on Sunday; however, the Knoxville Ice Bears will play their first home playoff game on Thursday, March 27 if Fayetteville finishes in fourth place. Otherwise, the best of five series will begin in Knoxville on Friday, March 27. Playoff ticket packages are still available.

 

Fans will notice that there have been some final roster changes for the Ice Bears. Veteran forward J.J. Wrobel has been placed on the 30-day injured reserved list due to an undisclosed upper body injury, and newcomer Glenn Cacaro has been signed to a contract. 6’0, 195-pound defenseman hails from Nichols College, an NCAA division III school, where he played a total of 108 games. During that time, he scored 6 goals, had 17 assists and 251 penalty minutes.

 

“J.J. Wrobel is a veteran player and was brought to Knoxville to help lead this hockey club.  He has done an outstanding job showing many of our young players what it takes to be a professional.  Although JJ will not be on the ice during the remainder of the games he will still contribute to this team and is a valuable part of what we have and what we are trying to accomplish this year.  Adding Glenn Cacaro at this time helps us solidify our blue line even further.  Although Glenn has only 3 professional games under his belt he has shown that he can play solid defensive hockey which is the boost we were looking for heading into the playoff,” commented head coach Scott Hillman.

For more information on Thursday’s game, playoffs and tickets, visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com.  

 

 

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