Founded in 2002, the Knoxville Ice Bears will celebrate their 25th anniversary season beginning this October. In recognition of this milestone, the organization—with input from staff, players and fans—has put together a ranking of the top 25 players in Ice Bears history. Fans were invited to submit ballots of multiple players and write-in players of their choosing as well. Highlighted criteria includes, but is not limited to individual statistics, individual accolades, contributions to team and organizational success, organization-defining moments and tenure.
Over the next several weeks, the rankings will be released in increments of five players each, with the final reveal of the top five players in franchise history concluding the rankings.
Each player listed in the rankings has a limited edition Ice Bears jersey available on DASH that will be auctioned off here.
15. Doug Searle. D. 2004-07.
A member of Knoxville’s first President’s Cup team in 2006 who also has a unique distinction of having played for the Ice Bears, Speed and Cherokees, Doug Searle spent the final three seasons of his career as an Ice Bear. His consistency on the back end saw him put up a +59 rating across those three seasons and his steady offensive production gave him back-to-back All-SPHL selections in ’06 and ’07.
14. Kevin Harris. D. 2007-10.
Kevin Harris only played three seasons in Knoxville, but they were impactful. President’s Cup titles in 2008 and ’09, All-SPHL selections each year and the Defenseman of the Year award in ’09. He still ranks tied for fourth in franchise history in postseason points thanks to strong campaigns in ’08 and ’09, including 10 points in eight games during the ’08 title run.
13. Andrew Gallant. G. 2008-11.
The only Ice Bear to win the SPHL’s Goaltender of the Year award, Andrew Gallant had a memorable debut season in Knoxville, going 19-7-1 with a league-best 2.65 goals against average and a .922 save percentage in 2008-09. The Ice Bears went on to win the President’s Cup that season and Gallant spent the following two seasons in Knoxville, making 94 appearances and finishing with 50 wins, both of which rank second all-time in franchise history behind Bryan Hince.
12. Justin MacDonald. C. 2022-23.
He only played one season in Knoxville, but Justin MacDonald’s 2022-23 campaign spearheaded an Ice Bears offense that led the league in goals with the former captain sitting atop the league with 34 scores of his own. Combined with his 45 assists, MacDonald led the SPHL with 79 points that year—ten more than the rest of the league despite missing 11 games. He possessed the ability to score from anywhere with any shot. A backhand from the slot, a one-timer from the circle, a slap shot from the perimeter, you name it. The 2023 SPHL MVP and Swider winner had a knack for finding the back of the net and was well-equipped to setup his teammates to do the same.
11. Eric Satim. C. 2011-15.
Eric Satim played in 218 games over four years in Knoxville, culminating with the 2015 President’s Cup. His consistent production was a staple for Knoxville’s offense. He ranks seventh all-time in franchise points (188) and eighth in goals (72), but his playoff performance in 2015 was huge for Knoxville when the Ice Bears needed him the most. He notched two assists in game three of the first round series against Columbus (including on Francis Drolet’s game-winning goal in the third period), provided a third period goal in game two of the semifinals against Louisiana to help Knoxville sweep the IceGators, and had two goals and an assist in game two of the finals against Mississippi to help secure the cup. His 55-point season in 2012-13 earned him an All-SPHL nod.
Players 6-10 will be revealed Fri., Aug. 28. Follow the Knoxville Ice Bears on social media to stay updated on team news and events!
