Knoxville Ice Bears to hold design contest for goalie mask

Knoxville Ice Bears to hold design contest for goalie mask
date: 12/18/2009

December 18, 2009 - The Knoxville Ice Bears will kick off their first-ever “Design the Goalie Mask” contest today. The contest is sponsored by AAA East Tennessee.

Beginning Friday, December 18, fans are encouraged to put their creative juices to work and come up with designs for Andrew Gallant’s goalie mask. The theme of the designs will be Ice Bears hockey. Fans can print a goalie mask design template and the rules regulations from the Knoxville Ice Bears website, then submit their designs either by mail, e-mail or in person by January 5, 2010. The rules and regulations will include the specifics on entries.

“It has become a tradition for goalies to have meaningful designs painted on their masks. They are usually very unique, and we are thrilled that Andrew Gallant wants to have a fan create the design for his mask. This is another element that will add to the fan experience of Ice Bears hockey,” commented Mike Murray, President and General Manager of the Knoxville Ice Bears.

The winning design will be painted onto Gallant’s mask by 3D Head Graphics of Knoxville. 3D Head Graphics specializes in custom painting and will bring the design to life on the mask. To see their portfolio visit http://www.3dheadgraphics.com. The finished piece will be unveiled during back-to-back home games against the Huntsville Havoc on January 22 and 23. Gallant will wear the mask for the remainder of the 2009-2010 season.

The winner will receive an autographed photo with Andrew Gallant, an autographed goalie stick and will be able to sign their finished design on the mask.

This promotion is being made possible by the partnership of AAA East Tennessee. AAA East Tennessee offers local residents many products and services. AAA memberships not only provide peace-of-mind in the event of a breakdown, but also serve as your special passport to valuable benefits, services and discounts. At home, on the road, cruising or flying, you’ll discover there’s no better value than a membership with AAA. For more information visit http://www.aaaet.com or one of their five local offices.

“AAA East Tennessee is a proud sponsor of the Knoxville Ice Bears, and we are very excited to be involved in their first-ever goalie mask design contest. We are looking forward to having a lot of AAA members and non-members participate,” said Steve Madden, Director of Membership and Partnership Programs for AAA East Tennessee.

The AAA logo will be included in the winning design.

For more information, including the rules, regulations and design template, visit http://www.knoxvilleicebears.com.

Photos from Knoxville's Holiday on Ice on December 14, 2009

Ice Bears Staff in the News

Knoxville Ice Bears stick boy (is that what he is called?) Breck Mashburn has enlisted in the Army and will be leaving on December 30 for basic training.  If you see him at the next game, give him a big pat on the back and a heartfelt "thanks" for serving his country.  He'll be missed.

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2009/dec/13/military-still-draws-et-students/

Holidays on Ice: December 14, 2009

Don't forget about the Knoxville Ice Bears tonight at Holidays on Ice at Market Square from 6-8 p.m.  Players attending tonight are Chris Brannen, Tim Vitek and Mark Van Vliet. And, of course, Chilly.

Admission is just $9 for adults and $7 for children and include skate rental. If you haven't been to downtown Knoxville recently, you are in for a huge treat.  Christmas lights, shopping, music, restaurants, museums- so much to do. 

Behind-the-scenes photos

Here are some photos I thought you might enjoy.

 


Players signing autographes at the Big Brothers Big Sisters special event.

Dan Earles showing the kids all of his goalie gear.

Grant Farrell explaining the differences in the hockey sticks.

Players and ladies in the locker room during the Lipstick and Laces event.

More players and ladies at the Lipstick and Laces event.

Winners of the Wiener Dog Race during the November 27th home game.

Where did things go so wrong?

Well, it's about half-way through the season and I have posted three articles.  Not exactly what I had planned.  I'll be better, I promise.

The next home game is next Saturday, December 19.  It's Guaranteed Fight Night.  I know what you are thinking, every game night is guaranteed fight night (thank to Segal), but this time it includes willing volunteers on the ice in Sumo wrestler costumes.  I love watching people make fools of themselves, so I am really excited about this game.

Don't forget to head over to Market Square every Monday night in December.  Ice Bears players and Chilly will be at the Knoxville's Holidays on Ice rink from 6-8 p.m.  Admission includes skate rental and is $9 for adults, $7 for children.  Come early and finish up your Christmas shopping at Bliss or Mast General and enjoy a nice dinner at Cafe 4, where hamburgers are just $5 all day (get your burger with a side of sweet potato fries. Yummy).

See you at the game!

Behind the scenes before the Ice Bears take the ice.

Hey, so, what is this thing?

I started this  blog in order to give fans an inside, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to make hockey happen in Knoxville.  My goal, eventually, is to offer player, coach, staff and fan interviews, photos, videos and podcasts.  This is a work in progress, so have patience and check back often.  Heck, if you have anything to offer or ideas of how to make the blog better, let me know.

Just how do I plan to do all of this?  I'm not sure, yet.  But I am lucky enough to volunteer for the Ice Bears during every game, so some of the photos and observations will come from that experience.  Who knows where this will lead.  I hope you are along for the ride.  It will be a fun one!

Are you ready, Knoxville?

Your Knoxville Ice Bears take to the ice tonight in an exhibition game against Fayetteville FireAntz.

Puck drops at 7:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Colisieum. Tickets are only $7.

See you there!