Knoxville Ice Bears

Welcoming Lorne Misita

date: 09/24/2010

Lorne Misita calls Niagra Falls, Ontario home. When he was really young, Lorne played hockey any chance he could get including games with a spatula and a tennis ball in his living room. His young career started in the Major Junior League in North Bay and Toronto in the OHL. From there he attended the University of Prince Edward Island in North East Canada. Professionally, he advanced to Columbus, Georgia with the Cottonmouths for five years... winning one championship in 2005.  This year he is excited to be transitioning to the Knoxville Ice Bears following a one year stint with the Pensacola IceFlyers

Getting to know Misita

What is the most unique experience transitioning from the Pensacola Ice Flyers to the Knoxville Ice Bears organization?

Any transition to a new team starts with getting to the know the fans.  And being in this league for 6 yrs, I know the Knoxville fans are extremely passionate and top notch.  My wife, daughter and I are expecting a son at the end of November. So we are extremely excited to start this journey in Knoxville and be surrounded with such great people like Mike Craigen and Kevin Swider, who I’ve known since the inaugural season, the Icebear organization, and the fans and city that help drive their success.

How are you preparing for the season opener?

I’ve been training pretty hard to get ready for the season, but being ready mentally is a huge part of the transition.  With all the new things that my family and I will be experiencing, we will have to be prepared for them.  Also, being a veteran player my duties go further than what is just seen on the ice, and with Kevin and Tim retiring a huge hole is left to fill in the leadership department.

What is a typical day like for you as a professional player?

A typical day for a professional player differs for each player and what they need to prepare for practice and the upcoming games.  Myself, I get to the rink at about 8 for a 10 o’clock practice, grab a cup of coffee, take care of anything that needs to be done with the trainer, help out the equipment trainer if needs be.  But more so to get focused for practice, just get in the right mind frame.  After practice go to the gym, and do anything I can to help out with promotions and community involvement especially with the schools and hospitals.  If my day is open after practice, I pick up my daughter and spend as much time as I can with her. I’m going to have more responsibilities this year with the new baby but can’t wait.

What sets you apart from every other player?

I don’t think anything in particular sets me apart from any other player.  Many of us have similar traits and different that’s what makes us all unique. However, I hope that we all have the same drive and passion.  A passion for one single goal.  A drive for perfection, and a want and ability to give 101% everyday, because 100% won’t get you a championship.  I guess personally, I love to hit hard, score goals, block shots, and win.  I take it personally when we lose.  Part of my job, is to help younger players understand the need to love to win and a hate to lose.

What is your pre-season motto or philosophy?

Pre-season is our chance to not just become a team, because that’s what the others are doing, we need to become a family, a brotherhood.  Those are the players that are willing to sacrifice anything for the person next to him.  You deal with pain and cuts later.  There is a bigger picture that we need to understand before we stride on that ice for the first time. 

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