For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
The Knoxville Ice Bears have signed defenseman Cole Mickel for the 2026-27 season. Mickel returns to Knoxville, having served a brief stint towards the end of last season following the conclusion of his collegiate career at Saint Mary’s University.
Prior to Saint Mary’s, Mickel spent one season at NCAA Division I Niagara University, where he appeared in 28 games. In his first year at Saint Mary’s, Mickel scored three goals to go with 14 assists in 25 games, earning him First Team All-MIAC honors. Last year, he averaged an assist per game and finished the season with 28 points, claiming the MIAC Defensive Player of the Year award and being named an All-American by the American Hockey Coaches Association.
Mickel signed with the Ice Bears after his college season ended and played five games with two assists. He made his Ice Bears debut on Mar. 5 at Birmingham. He recorded his first pro point with an assist on Dawson McKinney’s second period goal in a win over Evansville on Mar. 7.
The Ice Bears open their 25th anniversary season Friday, October 16 at home against Evansville at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.
ABOUT The Knoxville Ice Bears: The Knoxville Ice Bears organization began in 2002 and was an inaugural charter member of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) in 2004. As four-time SPHL Champions and five-time regular season champions, the Ice Bears are an experienced and established organization, offering the city and its visitors a balanced product of highlight-reel hockey, unique and exciting intermission activity and endless fan interaction, presenting the most affordable, family-friendly way to enjoy sports and entertainment. Season, Partial Season and Flex Tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com or call (865) 525-7825.
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