For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
The Knoxville Ice Bears have re-signed forward Stefan Brucato to the team’s preseason camp in October. Brucato has spent his entire SPHL career with the Ice Bears. The 2021-22 season will be his fifth in Knoxville.
“I’m excited to be able to come back to Knoxville,” said Brucato “The organization has done so much for me, the city is great, and the fans are just incredible. It’s definitely a special city to play in.”
The Riverside, Calif. native has 41 goals and 81 assists for 122 points in 172 career games in Knoxville. He’s also played in nine career games in the ECHL with the Tulsa Oilers.
“This year, and years before, the main focus is, ‘how can I help the team be a championship team?'” he said. “I’m hoping this year, being one of the older guys on the team, I can be a good leader on and off the ice and help the new players have an easy transition to the team to get us all on the same page.”
He spent this past season serving as Knoxville’s captain. He was announced as one of 13 players to be placed on the Ice Bears’ protected list in June.
“What more can you say? He was our captain,” said Ice Bears coach Jeff Carr. “He played with a torn rib cage that nobody knew about. He makes up for so much with his smarts and work on the penalty kill. He brought the guys together. He overcomes so much with his ability to know the game and know what the team needs.”
Brucato helped pace the Ice Bears to a league-leading 90.6% on the penalty kill last season. Knoxville was also shorthanded less than any team in the SPHL and only surrendered ten power play goals against.
“I really want to get him into a spot where he doesn’t get moved around on the power play so much,” said Carr. “I don’t want him in four different spots. I want to solidify where he wants to be and how he best benefits our team on the power play.”
Brucato had one goal and four assists on the man-advantage last season as Knoxville’s power play was second in the SPHL at 20.2%. He was fifth on the team with seven goals and 18 assists for 25 points overall.
The Ice Bears will hold their Free Agent Showcase at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum Sept. 24 and 25. Preseason Camp will be held in October leading up to the Ice Bears’ opening night on Friday, Oct. 15 against the Macon Mayhem.
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, 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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