For immediate release
For more information, contact: Joel Silverberg, Director of Broadcasting (865) 525-7825, joel@knoxvilleicebears.com.
The Knoxville Ice Bears have signed forward Malik Johnson for the 2026-27 season. Johnson enters his fourth season in the SPHL, having spent parts of three seasons with Pensacola. The Quebec native has also spent time in France and has enjoyed multiple stints in the ECHL.
“I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the Knoxville Ice Bears,” said Johnson. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the city, organization and its fans.”
Johnson played 110 games in Pensacola, scoring 33 goals and adding 30 assists. He also totaled 227 penalty minutes. He appeared in seven games for Allen in the ECHL last season and also put up 19 points in 18 games for Athens in the FPHL.
“I’m looking forward to bringing my physical presence, experience, leadership, and competitive mindset to the team, and doing whatever I can to help us win,” he said. “I can’t wait to get to Knoxville, meet everyone, and get the season underway.”
The Ice Bears will open their 25th season in franchise history in October.
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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