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Ice Bears Jiggle Roster, Exchange Forwards with Peoria

December 24, 2015 - SPHL (SPHL) - Knoxville Ice Bears News Release


Knoxville, TN - The Knoxville Ice Bears add depth to their lineup on Wednesday with the addition of center Garrett Vermeersch. Vermeersch was acquired from the Peoria Rivermen for the rights to Ice Bears forward Ben Power.

Vermeersch, a product of the NCAA's Division 1 Hockey-East conference Northeastern University, is in his 3rd season in the SPHL. In 127 SPHL games, Vermeersch has tallied 49 goals and 62 assists for 111 points, including a 27 goal rookie campaign in 2014.

The Ice Bears move the rights to forward Ben Power who is currently skating in the ECHL with the Brampton Beast. In 15 games with the Ice Bears, Power had 9 points including 3 goals and 6 assists. In 5 games with the Beast, Power has 0 points.

Head Coach Mike Craigen spoke briefly this morning about the trade after orchestrating the deal with Peoria bench boss Jean-Guy Trudel late on Tuesday. "As tough as it is to part ways with a player you've seen develop from a rookie, especially after winning a championship alongside Benny Power, we have immediate needs here in Knoxville and we needed a player who could help us in the short-term as well as the long-term. Garrett Vermeersch is a proven producer at this level and has been a thorn in our side since he came into the league 2 1/2 years ago. I expect him to come in here and instantly make us a better hockey club with and without the puck."

The newest Ice Bear was home in Michigan for the Christmas break when he got the news. "I am very excited to have the chance to play in a place like Knoxville that has a very long history in pro hockey. I think it will be a fresh start for me where I can start producing offensively again," said Vermeersch. "I know there are a lot of good players in Knoxville that will compliment my style of play and I'm eager to get there and start forming some chemistry and winning some hockey games."

The Ice Bears will head to Fayetteville next weekend for a two-game series against the FireAntz on December 26th & 27th which can be seen live on SPHLLIVE.com or free at the Casual Pint on Northshore. Ice Bears next home game will be Tuesday, December 29th for a Black out Night - for tickets and information visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com or call 865-254-7825.


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