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 Drake Longaker to a PTO for the team’s preseason camp in October. The California native was a four-year letterman at Division III Plymouth State University and served as a team captain for the Panthers his senior year.
During Longaker’s time in college, Plymouth State won four regular season titles in its conference and won the MASCAC tournament in his junior season in 2019, advancing to the school’s third NCAA tournament in program history. The Panthers repeated as conference champs in Longaker’s senior year, but the NCAA tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He scored 11 goals to go with 31 assists for 42 points in 94 career collegiate games. He also had a +17 career rating. Longaker anchored a defense that saw the Panthers go 70-28-10 and allow only 2.47 goals per game during that span.
Knoxville will host its free agent showcase September 24-25. Signed players will report to preseason camp in October. The Ice Bears begin their 20th season on Friday, October 15 at the 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, 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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