Mike Craigen, the 5'6", 195-pound center from Buckhorn, Ontario played four seasons for the Ice Bears and helped lead the team to championships. During Craigen's time in Knoxville, he scored 82 goals had 114 assists while spending 895 minutes in the penalty box in 216 regular-season games.

"Everyone is going to miss Mikey, but we wish him the best. Many of us know the mixed emotions that come with the decision to retire. The Knoxville Ice Bears organization is going to celebrate Craigen's contribution to the team, the fans and the Knoxville community. He along with Swider have been the cornerstones of this team since its inception. Without #16 in the lineup we are forced to start a new chapter of Ice Bears hockey," Coach Hillman commented.

The two most recent signings will help the Ice Bears do just that. Forward Tim Vitek will be back for another season in Knoxville. Even with a short stint in the Central Hockey League, Vitek played 29 games and scored 20 goals, had 32 assists and only 18 penalty minutes during the 07-08 regular season with the Ice Bears.

The signing of another forward Chris Rebernik, made last week a bittersweet week for the organization. The Ice Bears gained Rebernik's rights in a dispersal draft after the Jacksonville Barracudas decided to go black for a year. Rebernik, who had 32 goals and 35 assists for the Barracudas, signed with a team in France before opting to come to Knoxville.

"We couldn't believe Rebernik was still available when we took him as the number six pick. We expect Chris to make our lines deeper and more interchangeable," explained Coach Hillman.