Swider Swaps Helmet and Pads for Suit and Tie

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Swider Swaps Helmet and Pads for Suit and Tie
League leader joins Ice Bears front office team 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — When you think about the Knoxville Ice Bears, or the SPHL for that matter, the first name that comes to mind is Kevin Swider. He lead the league in scoring six times, collected three SPHL championships 
with the Ice Bears, amassed 676 points (264 G, 412 A) in 374 regular season games and logged 71 points (20 G, 51 A) in 51 playoff games.

Quietly and without fanfare, Swider retired from hockey at the end of last season. The task of replacing the league’s most prolific scorer will now fall upon the Ice Bears' new Director of Hockey Operations - Kevin Swider.

The 32-year-old Livonia, Mich. native decided to make his retirement official after a tough year on the ice, with the team squeaking by the Fayetteville FireAntz in the first round of the playoffs only to fall to eventual President Cup Champion Huntsville Havoc.

Swider's choice to retire wasn't easy, nor was it made quickly. 

Swider Takes Position In Ice Bears Front Office

Press Release from the Knoxville Ice Bears

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Knoxville Ice Bears President and General Manager Mike Murray announced today that Kevin Swider has been appointed Director of Hockey Operations.

Swider joins the Ice Bears organization to transition his decorated playing career, which includes three SPHL Championships, four regular season titles, and six consecutive scoring titles, to building championship team from the front office.

Kevin's first responsibility will be to finalize and execute the Knoxville Ice Bears Youth Hockey School, which runs July 19 - July 25, at Cool Sports in West Knoxville. He has two remaining spots for any of the last minute registrants.

"We are pleased to have Kevin join our organization," Murray said. "He brings a depth of knowledge, tremendous work ethic and a dedication to winning that will strengthen our first-class staff."

Swider joins Murray and will assist in the recruitment of a new head coach and, once the new coach is settled, be a valuable resource in recruiting a championship team.

"I am extremely excited for the opportunity to continue working with the Knoxville Ice Bears in a whole new capacity, " Swider said. "We have had great success as an organization and I have been honored to be a part of it. I look forward to this new challenge."

The 32-year-old native of Livonia, Mich., is the longest tenured Ice Bear, playing all or part of each season of the team's existence since 2002. During his time with the organization, he has amassed 676 points (264 G, 412 A) in 374 regular season games and registered 71 points (20 G, 51A) in 51 playoff games.

Swider has served as the Player Assistant Coach for the past three seasons and, in his new role, will be responsible for a range of duties, including recruiting, managing salary cap, handling travel, and arranging player accommodations, as well as securing new corporate partnerships and season ticket holders.

The Ferris State University graduate has a strong grasp of the SPHL and a good relationship with commissioner Jim Combs.

Kevin and his wife, Angela, have a 9-month-old daughter Avery.

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