SPHL Knoxville Ice Bears

Starting Goaltender Hince Returns to Ice Bears

July 17, 2014 - SPHL (SPHL)
Knoxville Ice Bears News Release


Knoxville, TN - (July 17, 2014) Head coach and director of hockey operations, Mike Craigen announced today, Bryan Hince has re-signed to return as the Knoxville Ice Bears number one goalie for the up-coming 2014-2015 SPHL hockey season. During the 2014 playoffs, Hince ranked first in Goals-Allowed Average (1.14), Shutouts (2) and Save Percentage (.965). In his fourth season with the team, the consistency with which he performed during the regular season helped the Ice Bears reach the playoffs for a twelfth consecutive year, ranking first in Total Saves with 100 more than second-place (1,171) Games and Minutes Played, each by a wide margin, tied for first in Wins (22), third in shutouts (5) and fifth in Goals-Allowed Average and Save Percentage. Head Coach Mike Craigen was quick to compliment his ace in goal, saying, "his intensity and will to win is unrivaled in my experience at this level and his performance during his career in the postseason has put the Ice Bears in the mix for a championship every year he's been here."

Hince made up his mind very quickly following the 2014 playoffs that he wished to return to play in Knoxville for a fifth season, stating that the area and the opportunity to win are the factors that mattered most. "I want to win a championship, that has been my goal all along," Hince said, "I like the direction we are heading in and with some key additions we should be in contention this year." The veteran goalie talked amicably about playing for Head Coach Mike Craigen and the other friends he has made on the team, claiming that, "For [him], there is nowhere I'd rather play than here in Knoxville."

The SPHL has experienced a growing following within the region, with loyal fans traveling across the south to attend away games. "The league itself is getting better, ten-fold every year and [will be] very competitive this year with eight teams and six playoff spots," Hince estimates, "Every game will be great to watch." Hince will also now be a confirmed guest coach for the 2014 Ice Bears Youth Hockey School (July 21-25 at Cool Sports), offering campers five days of tips and practice from a high-level professional goalie. Both the team and Hince himself are looking forward to the input and expertise that he will be able to pass along to the local younger generation starting Monday:

"I'm very excited for camp to start and get things rolling. We have a great group of leadership forming for this upcoming year and I look forward to leading us into the season. There is no better feeling than being a part of a winning hockey team!"

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