Knoxville Ice Bears

Melnyk signs with the Ice Bears

date: 08/24/2009

August 23, 2009 – Knoxville Ice Bear fans are used to seeing Donald Melnyk in a red, white and blue jersey; however, fans will now be seeing him as a friend instead of a foe. Knoxville head coach Marc Rodgers announced today that the 5-10, 180 pound forward signed with Ice Bears earlier this week.

 

“Melnyk will be a great addition to the Ice Bears team. Pairing him with player like Kevin Swider will give us more versatility in our offensive lines. I will really be able to experiment with this chemistry during training camp, which is scheduled to be on Sunday, October 11. Donald will come in and be counted on to be a leader, not only on the ice but off the ice.  He has been at this level for 3 years now and knows what needs to be accomplished to win. He has played in many different situations on the ice over the years, but his main concern in Knoxville will be shooting, playing aggressive, and teaching the younger players how to be a true professional,” commented Coach Rodgers.

 

 Melnyk began his hockey career with the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey league. From 2002 until 2006 Melnyk played 190 games for the Blizzard. During which time he scored 77 goals, had 132 assists and 653 penalty minutes. He showed continual growth and development every year that he was with OCN, having his best season in 2005-2006. Melnyk was then recruited by the Laredo Bucks of the Central Hockey League, where he played four games before coming to the SPHL.

 

He played 48 games for the Richmond Renegades in 2006-2007 and 49 games in the 2007-2008 season.  During that time, he scored 35 goals, had 43 assists and 124 penalty minutes. Melnyk has shown consistency since 2007, scoring 26 goals for Richmond and then 26 for the Twin City Cyclones last season.

 

“I‘m excited that he will be joining us in Knoxville this year.  He’s exactly what I was looking for as one of my linemates.  He’s smart and sees the ice well and I think we’ll compliment each other out there.  He had a career year last year and I expect him to improve on that this season,” said team captain Kevin Swider. 

 

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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