Knoxville Ice Bears

Knoxville Ice Bears sign two defensemen

date: 09/05/2009

September 4, 2009 – Knoxville Ice Bears’ head coach Marc Rodgers announced today that he has added two more defensemen to the roster. Matt Chromy and Matthew Hansen are the two newest players to be signed. Rodgers hopes Chromy and Hansen will strengthen the Ice Bears defense, making it competitive against the new talent coming into the league.

 

Rodgers stated, “It is often times hard to find top-notch defensemen in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). We are fortunate to have players like Kevin Harris and Chris Brannen returning, but it will be crucial to our success to sign additional skilled defensemen.”

 

Matt Chromy is a 6’6”, 250-pound native of Crystal Lake, Illinois. He started his hockey career at the University of Michigan-Dearborn (ACHA) in 2004. During his four seasons there, Chromy played 142 games, scored 51 goals and had 132 assists with 350 penalty minutes. After college, Chromy spent the 2008-09 season in the International Hockey League (IHL) with the Flint Generals and Kalamazoo Wings before finishing the season with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the SPHL.

 

“Matt is a big body on the ice that will help us in the small rink here in Knoxville.  He not only plays defense, but can also play forward if needed.  Matt has some offensive potential, he needs a full year with one team to get comfortable in a system and put up numbers like he did in college.  He plays a physical game and will protect his teammates if needed,” commented Coach Rodgers.

 

The other player is a Canadian defenseman who was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks in the ninth round of the 2003 National Hockey League (NHL) draft. Hansen began playing hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2000. He spent five seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds before finishing his last season in the league with the Red Deer Rebels and the Moose Jaw Warriors. In 268 games, Hansen scored 17 goals and had 84 assist and 117 penalty minutes.

 

Rodgers said, “It is evident that scouts at the higher level have seen Hansen’s potential as a hockey player.  He played 5 seasons in the Major Junior Hockey ranks with good offensive skill for a defenseman. He is anxious to return after taking a three year break from hockey.”

 

The puck will drop on another Knoxville Ice Bears’ season on Friday, October 23 for the Home Opener and Championship Celebration. The defending SPHL champions will play 28 regular season home games at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Individual tickets will go on sale October 1. For more information on game dates, season tickets and promotional activities, please visit http://www.knoxvilleicebears.com. Call (865) 656-4444 for tickets.

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