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.
25. Mike Carter. LW. 2007-09.
Two seasons. Two President’s Cups. Quite an efficient run for Mike Carter, who had 115 points in 110 games, including 71-point campaign in the 2008-09 season. He proved to be reliable at both ends, posting a combined +39 rating in his Ice Bears tenure. His production in the postseason aided Knoxville’s back-to-back cup runs, notching the secondary assist on Vitek’s game-tying goal in game six in the ’09 finals—his second apple of the night.
24. Frankie Drolet. C. 2013-15.
In just two seasons as an Ice Bear, Francis “Frankie” Drolet put up 99 points in 100 career games while also being a point-per-game producer in the postseason both years. His ten
points in seven playoff games during Knoxville’s 2015 President’s Cup run were second in the league and his five goals led all players. He had a goal and an assist in game two of the President’s Cup Finals to help Knoxville with the title in his final game as an Ice Bear.
23. Terry Dunbar. G. 2004-05, 2006-07.
Less than 20 goalies in SPHL history have won 25 games in a single season. Terry Dunbar is the only one to do it in an Ice Bears sweater. His 25-win campaign during the 2006-07 season remains the single-season record and he currently sits third all-time in franchise history in wins.
22. Jimmy Soper. C. 2024-2026.
The recently retired captain-turned-coach helped reinvigorate the franchise following the 2023-24 season that saw the Ice Bears miss the playoffs for the first time. Jimmy Soper helped Knoxville accelerate the turnaround as the first big signing of the John Gurskis coaching era. In just two seasons, Soper made his way to third on Knoxville’s all-time postseason points list, leading all players in points across the league during that time.
21. Brady Fleurent. RW. 2019-24.
He never played 30 games in a single season, but Brady Fleurent’s time as an Ice Bear across five seasons showcased the talent and skill that led to him becoming an ECHL All-Star in 2024-25. He totaled 113 points in 121 career games before the ECHL came calling for good midway through the ’23-24 campaign.
Players 16-20 will be revealed Fri., Aug. 14. Follow the Knoxville Ice Bears on social media to stay updated on team news and events!
