Mayor Haslam recognized the Knoxville Ice Bears Hockey Team at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 25.

The Knoxville Ice Bears won the Southern Professional Hockey League's (SPHL) Regular Season Title on Saturday night by beating the Huntsville Havoc 4-2 in front of more than 4,600 fans at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.

The Ice Bears received the William B. Coffey Trophy for their championship and will have the home ice advantage for the SPHL President's Cup playoffs, which begin Friday when they play the Columbus Cottonmouths at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Coliseum.

"We're very proud of the Ice Bears and their accomplishments," said Mayor Haslam. "We think they're great ambassadors for this city. They play in front of about 4,000 fans a game so they bring a lot of enjoyment to a lot of folks here in Knoxville."

Mike Murray, the president and general manager of the Ice Bears, Coach Scott Hillman, and players Mike Craigen and B.J. Pelkey, who are assistant captains of the team and Kirk Irving (2nd Team SPHL All-STAR) and Matt Pierce (All-Rookie Team) were present at the recognition.

GAME NOTES: Ice Bears play at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 28 and Saturday, March 29 at the Civic Coliseum.