24-04-2025
Knoxville Ice Bears seek SPHL history as fans wish for another President's Cup
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — After missing the playoffs a year ago, local hockey fans looked on as the Knoxville Ice Bears dropped the puck on game one of the SPHL President's Cup Championship series as fans hope the Ice Bears bring a championship back to the Scruffy City.
There was a palpable excitement in the hours leading up to the first Championship Series game for the Ice Bears since 2015. Fans and parents of players shared how happy they are to see this team in a position to bring home some hardware.
Every hit, every shot and every goal adding to the electric atmosphere surrounding the Knoxville Ice Bears in their quest for a fifth President's Cup. Parents of players making the trip to Knoxville to get a glimpse at what could be a history making series.
'I think the boys have really really come together. They've played really hard and had some great wins,' said Steve Mundinger, father of Ice Bears goalie Stephen Mundinger. 'To actually be here physically and watch it has been unbelievable. I've been here for two weeks, I haven't missed a game in the last two weeks and I'll tell ya, it's the best experience. I know the Ice Bears have got it in them, and we're going to win the cup.'
Boyd Soper, the father of Jimmy and Kyle Soper, gave the Ice Bears faithful high praise as they nearly sold out the arena for another playoff game.
'Knoxville has the best fans. They're loud. They're into it. They just love these guys,' Soper said. 'They are fantastic. They're the best crowd we have in the SPHL for sure.'
For fan groups like the M-1 Mafia, seeing the team bounce back after adversity struck last season has been welcome.
'It's been a rough couple of years. Last year we finished in last place and didn't make the playoffs. We've lost both games at home so far this postseason,' said M1 Mafia member Walt Drouin. 'So to see the boys go on the road and get two wins against two teams that are higher seeded was absolutely amazing and we are excited to be back here.'
Excited to be back and hopeful to add another banner to the coliseum rafters.
No SPHL team has ever won five President's Cups. With four titles already in the books, two wins is all that separates the Ice Bears from SPHL history. The last time the Ice Bears were in the championship series, they won the President's Cup, that was in 2015.
Knoxville dropped game one in the best of three series 4-3 in double overtime. The Ice Bears are back in action Thursday night in Evansville for game two. The Knoxville Civic Coliseum would host the decisive game three on Sunday if Knoxville is able to win in Evansville.
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