Hockey Nights and Family Lights:
How the Ice Bears Bring Us Together, One Game at a Time
(Jace practices his hockey stick swing. As Jace says, “I hit the puck hard.” You can hear our family friend, Dominique, in the background, yelling “He’s a natural! He’s a natural!”)
For our family, hockey season in Knoxville is more than just a sport—it is a cherished tradition. Ever since Annabelle and Jace were babies, Lisa and I have taken them to Knoxville Ice Bears games. What began as a fun weekend outing has become one of the most anticipated parts of our family’s year. We mark our calendars, talk about upcoming theme nights, and look forward to the sights and sounds of the ice rink echoing with cheers and laughter.
The Knoxville Ice Bears, part of the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), are a local team with a loyal fan base and a heart for the game. While many players shift between leagues like the SPHL, ECHL (Eastern Conference Hockey League), or even the AHL (American Hockey League), there is a sense of resilience and community that defines the team’s spirit. This past season was nothing short of remarkable. After finishing near the bottom of the league in 2023–2024, the Ice Bears made an incredible turnaround in 2024–2025, charging all the way to the President’s Cup championship finals.
What makes this playoff run even more impressive is that several rookies were playing their first season in the SPHL, learning to compete and grow together at the professional level. It was also the first season under new head coach John Gurskis, the ninth head coach in franchise history. A native of Brockton, Massachusetts, Gurskis came to Knoxville after five seasons as an assistant coach for the Wichita Thunder in the ECHL. To lead a team to the championship finals in his inaugural season is a rare feat in any sport—a remarkable achievement that speaks to both his leadership and the trust he inspired in his players. Twice in the playoffs, the Ice Bears pulled off stunning comebacks by winning must-win games on the road. It was a testament to their grit, unity, and never-quit attitude.
But for us, attending these games has never been just about winning or losing. The real joy comes from spending time together as a family. These hockey nights are opportunities to unplug from busy schedules, sit side by side, and share moments that matter. Whether it is cheering on a goal, dancing during intermission music, or explaining icing rules to curious little minds, each experience adds another layer to our family’s story.
Jace, still too young to grasp the idea of an “off-season,” often asks in the middle of summer, “Can we go to another Ice Bears game soon?” His enthusiasm is infectious. And truthfully, I cannot blame him. There is something magical about the whole atmosphere—bright lights, roaring crowds, and the crisp chill of the arena. When he sits still and captivated, eyes fixed on the puck and players darting across the ice, I see a spark that tells me he might just take up the sport himself one day. Fortunately, Knoxville offers plenty of youth hockey programs, and when the time comes, we will be ready to lace up those little skates.
Lisa and I occasionally sneak away for a date night at a game too. Those evenings give us a chance to reconnect, just the two of us, with no distractions except the thrill of the match and maybe a shared tube of popcorn. Even those quiet moments amidst the crowd are reminders of how grateful we are to live in a city where community and family activities thrive.
The Knoxville Ice Bears’ home games go beyond hockey—they are events. Each night comes with a fun theme: Star Wars Night (complete with lightsabers and Wookiees in the stands), Wiener Dog Races Night (which always gets the biggest laughs), or Scruffy City Shiners Night, a fun local rebranding evening. The kids giggle as the dachshunds slip and slide across the ice, and they beam with joy when they see their favorite mascot, Chili Bear. No trip is complete without a hug and a quick hello from “the greatest mascot in professional sports,” as the announcer proudly calls him.
Between periods, we often visit the kids’ zone, where there is a bounce house and a goal-shot area for young fans to test their hockey skills. Annabelle and Jace love these breaks, and the hands-on activities keep them engaged while helping them feel like part of the action. The Ice Bears’ staff always go the extra mile to make families feel welcome, and it shows.
In the end, what we remember most is not the score on the scoreboard, but the laughter, the high-fives, and the time spent together. These nights remind us that joy is often found in the simple act of being with those you love, cheering for something together. Supporting the Knoxville Ice Bears has become more than a tradition—it has become part of our family’s identity.
While the puck keeps dropping and the crowd keeps roaring,
the Cartee’s will be there—cheer for cheer, heart to heart—writing our story
one game at a time. You can view some of our family stories in the pictures
below.
(On the jumbotron, the announcer displays the Simba Cam, named after this specific scene in the movie, The Lion King. Early in the Disney movie, Rafiki holds Simba high above the valley below while the baby is dedicated to the animal kingdom. When Annabelle and Jace were babies, I tried my best to have our portrait on the screen high above. I held Jace up for about two and half minutes while he slept in my arms. You can slightly see his head tilted back. While we were on the screen, Jace never woke up to see it. After our photo moment, I handed him right back to Lisa, where he continued sleeping.)
(You can see Annabelle on the jumbotron in this Simba Cam moment of stardom. Unlike Jace, Annabelle was awake in my arms. Our friend, Andrea, captured the photo moment on the screen. Andrea and Lisa appear to be laughing in the scene.)
(Our close friends, Gary and Jolandi, hold Jace while attending the Ice Bears game with us.)
(One of our favorite themed Knoxville Ice Bears games is Star Wars night. Jace enjoys a moment with this Return of the Jedi stormtrooper. I have several photos where Jace smiles underneath his pacifier.)
(Annabelle and Jace pose with a Star Wars Tusken Raider, also known as a sand person in the movies.)
(Jace’s favorite Star Wars character is Chewbacca. Jace runs to hug the tall character in this photo. As depicted, Chewbacca stood close to seven feet tall.)
(Annabelle is fascinated with her facial expressions at the height of Chewbacca.)
(Jace runs to hug Darth Vader. I am not sure the character knew what to do here, because most children seemed to fear him. With no trepidation, Jace preferred to embrace Vader with his affection.)
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