For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
Forward Dawson McKinney has re-signed with Knoxville from the team’s protected list. The second-year pro led the Ice Bears with 15 goals and 32 points as a rookie last season.
“I’m very excited to sign back in Knoxville,” said McKinney. “It’s a great organization and we’ve got the best fans in the SPHL.”
McKinney also led Knoxville with four game-winning goals last season, including three overtime winners. He scored all three goals for his first professional hat-trick in Knoxville’s overtime win at Huntsville on Feb. 18.
“Dawson had a good rookie season, but I think there’s some untapped potential in his game,” said head coach John Gurskis. “I’m expecting to see some growth, maturity and discipline for his sophomore season.”
Prior to turning pro, McKinney appeared in 96 games in the OHL with the Oshawa Generals. He put up 64 points in 41 games for the Hamilton Kily B’s in the GOJHL during his last junior season in 2022-23 and was named to the All-Star Team.
The Ice Bears open their 23rd season Friday, Oct. 18 at Evansville. The team’s home opener will be the following Friday, Oct. 25 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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