The Knoxville Ice Bears coaching staff released defenseman Derek Buors earlier this week to create a roster spot for Mark Van Vliet, who played for the Ice Bears during the 2008-2009 season.Van Vliet, a 6', 170 pound forward from Dorchester, Ontario, transitioned into a defenseman under the direction of Ice Bears former head coach Scott Hillman last season. In 49 games, Van Vliet scored nine goals, had 11 assists and 43 penalty minutes. As his skills developed, he caught the attention of coaches in higher leagues. Van Vliet was called up to the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL partway through the season, but came back to Knoxville after six games where he was part of the Knoxville Ice Bears championship.
Mark Van Vliet followed Scott Hillman to the Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League at the beginning of this season. However, after five losses, Van Vliet was released with only one assist on the board.
"We are extremely happy to have Mark back in an Ice Bears' uniform. His ability to play both forward and defense will Coach Rodgers the option to be more creative in key situations," commented Ice Bears president and general manager Mike Murray.
Tonight was Van Vliet's first game back on the ice as Knoxville took on the Mississippi Surge.
In the first meeting between the Knoxville Ice Bears and the Mississippi Surge, the Surge put the first point on the board. Forward Chris Greene scored 1:23 into the first period and was assisted by Matt Zultek and Matthew Larke.
The Ice Bear answered by scoring 2:31 into the second with a power play goal by captain Kevin Swider. Forward David Segal continued with the momentum and scored the second Ice Bears' goal of the night in his first game back from suspension. Segal was also named the Mercedes Benz First Star of the Game. Making a difference upon his return, Mark Van Vliet got his first goal of the season. It was an unassisted goal 11:47 into the second period, putting the Ice Bears up 3-1, which was the final score of the game.
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