Knoxville Ice Bears

Knoxville Ice Bears name Craigen as head coach

date: 08/02/2010

Knoxville Ice Bears name Craigen as head coach

For immediate release. For more information please contact Dave Feather
at (865) 525-7825 / (865) 254-7825 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

August 2, 2010 – The Knoxville Ice Bears on Monday named Michael Craigen, two time SPHL Champion, as head coach of the 2010-2011 Knoxville Ice Bears.

Craigen spent the previous year as the assistant of Central Canadian Hockey League’s Peterborough Stars. 

“We interviewed between 10 and 15 candidates after receiving over 40 resumes for the position, ” explained President and General Manager Mike Murray. “After evaluating the vast range of qualifications all the applicants were bringing to Knoxville, there were intangibles that separated Mike from the group.”

Craigen had spent four seasons with the Ice Bears capturing two SPHL championships and amassing 196 points (82 Goals, 114 Assists) and 896 penalty minutes in 216 games played.  The five year professional served as the alternate captain during his final two years with the organization.

“Mike will bring his unbelievable work ethic and passion for winning to this organization.  I’ve seen his leadership qualities first hand and he will not accept anything less than success.  I’m very excited to be in a position to work with someone who I respect as a person and who I believe will be a great addition to the Knoxville Ice Bears,” endorsed Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Swider.

Craigen’s outgoing personality in the community along with his flair as an agitator on the ice has endeared him to the loyal Ice Bear fan base.   As a leader within the organization, the Ice Bears will look to him to bring a winning product on the ice as well as become more involved in the Knoxville community.

“I couldn’t be happier or more excited to be returning to Knoxville to help grow hockey in the South and lead this organization back to excellence on and off the ice. Kevin and I are already working diligently towards putting together an entertaining, passionate and successful hockey team that we can all be proud of,” states Head Coach Michael Craigen

In recognition for Craigen’s return to Knoxville, the Ice Bears will run a special “buy one get one free” season ticket in any row 16 of the arena for interested first time fans.  The row number is the same number the Ice Bears new coach wore during his playing days in Knoxville.
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