Knoxville Ice Bears

Mike Craigen - Head Coach

Mike Craigen, 30, born in Canada and raised in the small town of Buckhorn, Ontario returns to the Ice Bears as their head coach after a 4 year career with them from 2004-2008.

After playing his junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League for the Sarnia Sting and the Lindsay Muskies, Craigen began his pro career with the Alabama Slammers of the now defunct World Hockey Association 2 and then signed with Ice Bears of the newly developed Southern Professional Hockey League in the summer of 04’. After a 4 year career consisting of 101 goals, 250 points, 1139 penalty minutes and 2 SPHL championships, Craigen retired to return home to Canada for a full time job with the Bell Canada Telecommunications company. After 2 years of assistant coaching with the OPJHL’s Liftlock Stars in Peterborough, Ontario, Craigen was hired to fill the Ice Bear’s vacant head coaching spot in August of 2010 and returned ‘home’ to Knoxville, TN.

The son of Rob and Debbie Craigen and brother of Emily Craigen, 27, who all reside in Canada, Mike comes to Knoxville with his 2 faithful Chihuahuas and loyal Ice Bear fans Wyatt & Butt-Man. Known for his work in and around the community of Knoxville during his playing days, Craigen will rely on strong player relationships, trust and accountability to continue the outstanding tradition set before him by the brand of the Knoxville Ice Bears.

Office: 865-525-7825
Email: m.craigen@knoxvilleicebears.com