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SPHL Knoxville Ice Bears

Knoxville Ice Bears Sign Head Coach to Extension

June 13, 2011 - SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release


Knoxville, TN - The Knoxville Ice Bears have signed Head Coach Mike Craigen to a two year extension that will run through the end of the 2013 season.

Craigen, who concluded is first season (27-29) as a head coach by pushing the eventual SPHL Champions, Mississippi Surge, to a fifth and deciding game in the semi-finals of the SPHL playoffs, was given a vote of confidence by President/General Manager Mike Murray and the Ice Bears Ownership Group.

"We are pleased to have Mike returning to coach the Knoxville Ice Bears, in his first year behind the bench and only 6 returning players from the year prior he has garnered great experiences that I feel will only make us better going forward in seeking our 4th Championship. Moreover, Mike understands the importance of our increasingly popular brand and its continued involvement and growth throughout the community".

The rookie head coach assumed the helm of one of the premier teams of the SPHL. Unlike his predecessors, Craigen looked to assemble a team that had to succeed without six-time scoring champion Kevin Swider who replaced his hockey jersey for a suit and joined him on the bench.

"I was honestly, very flattered by the offer presented to me by the Ice Bears," said Craigen. "I learned a lot in my 1st season as a head coach and as humbling as it was, it's extremely encouraging that our ownership group and management noticed my growth as the season went on. I love being in Knoxville, I love what this organization stands for and it's exciting to be a part of a 10 year celebration moving forward."

With the coaching position solidified for the next two years, the Knoxville Ice Bears look to promote their 10th Anniversary logo. The logo will be a focal point for the 2011-12 season. When the Ice Bears take the ice in October, it will mark the longest tenured hockey franchise in the history of Knoxville.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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