KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Following more than a year away from his adopted home, one of Knoxville’s favorite hockey sons returned Monday to a room full of cheering fans, a standing ovation and a new mission.
As the cameras rolled and shutters clicked, new Knoxville Ice Bears’ Director of Hockey Operations Kevin Swider made his first big announcement,
Knoxville head coach Mike Craigen.
“He (Craigen) was a leader on and off the ice for four years. He played his heart out and would do anything it takes to win, and I think he is going bring that as a coach,” Swider said. “He is someone that I’m going to be very excited to work with and I am really happy he is here.”
Craigen, who played 216 games in four seasons with the Ice Bears (196 points, 895 penalty minutes), jumped at the opportunity to return to Knoxville and the team he is so passionate about.
“I am so excited to be here,” Craigen said. “At some point, someone had to take a chance and give me a chance to start coaching and I can’t thank you guys enough.”
The Buckhorn, Ontario native describes his coaching style as one that will rely heavily on the relationships forged with players and an atmosphere where players want to succeed, not because they are scared of the coach, but because they do not want to let their team or the fans down.
“Kevin and I are going to build a team that will be two things for certain: very fun to watch and very tough to play against,” Craigen said. “We will sign players that have a high-compete level. I want players in here that play the game with passion, with energy and who exemplify the hard-working dedicated blue-collar attitude that all of our owners and fan base share together in this community.”
At just 28 years old, Craigen’s resume may concern many because of its lack of professional experience. He does however have some experience behind a bench, having been an assistant coach for the Peterborough Stars in the Central Canadian Hockey League during the past season. He also insisted that he is no rookie to the game of hockey. Still, he felt the need to remind everyone that this is an opportunity for him to grow as a coach.
“There will be some nights this year when I make some mistakes as a coach – nights when I make bad decisions behind the bench, get beat on a line change, make bad matches, pull the goalie too soon, have the wrong guys on the ice. There will be nights when I get outcoached and nights when I say some things I might regret in the morning,” Craigen said. “Through all of this, I guarantee no one will ever question my desire to succeed and grow hockey in Knoxville, nor will they question my respect and belief in the game of hockey and this organization.”
When asked if he was thinking about a championship, the two-time SPHL champion replied in true Ice Bears manner.
“Damn right I am. I wouldn’t think anything else. I play to win and I am gong to coach to win,” he said.
Welcome back to Knoxville, Coach Craigen. You are going to fit right in – again.
Contact the author at kristina.shands@prohockeynews.com
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