Cranbrook, BC -- Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has promoted Assistant Coach Kris Knoblauch (knob-lock) to be the fifth Head Coach in franchise history. Knoblauch, who has signed a two year contract with a club option for a third year replaces Mark Holick who was named Head Coach of the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League in May.

“After going through the numerous applicants for the Head Coaching position the decision to promote Kris was ultimately an easy one as he has been with the Hockey Club for three years and has worked in the Western Hockey League for the past four years. The philosophy of our organization is to hire and promote from within wherever possible. Kris is very familiar with our returning group of players which will make the transition from Assistant to Head Coach that much easier,” continued Chynoweth.

“When I came here three years ago it was one of my goals to someday be a Head Coach in the WHL. To be named as bench boss for an organization that gave me an opportunity and has moved on as many coaches as they have to professional hockey is definitely a huge honor. I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead, but know the foundation is definitely in place to continue on with the winning tradition,” commented Kris Knoblauch.

Kris Knoblauch played three seasons in the WHL and was a member of both the Edmonton (1997-1998) and Kootenay ICE (1998-1999) organizations. He also played with the Red Deer Rebels (1996-1997) and Lethbridge Hurricanes (1998-1999). Upon graduating from the WHL he went on to play five years at the University of Alberta and was a member of the 1999-2000 Golden Bears team that won the CIS Championship. Kris achieved a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. Prior to joining the ICE he was an Assistant Coach with the Prince Albert Raiders for one season (2006-2007).

Kris Knoblauch is a 31-year-old native of Imperial, Saskatchewan. He and his wife Autumn are the parents of one son – Marek (2).

Cranbrook, BC – The Kootenay ICE Hockey Club would like to announce the return of the Kootenay ICE Golf Tournament.  This tournament, which has raised over $300,000 since its inception is the primary fundraiser for the Kootenay ICE Education Fund that ensures every player has the opportunity to gain post secondary education once their major junior career is over. 

The tournament will be taking place at 1:30 pm on Friday, August 27 at the Cranbrook Golf Club with entries being limited to the first 32 paid teams.  Each player entry is $160.00 and includes golf, dinner, calcutta and a first tee gift. 

To register for the tournament please contact the Kootenay ICE Office at 250-417-0322.  Registration deadline is Thursday, August 19.

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The Early Bird Season Ticket deadline is this coming Monday, May 31^st at 5:00 pm.  Regular priced Season Tickets will go into affect on Tuesday.

Cranbrook, BC –  Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club announced today the ICE are passing on their 2010 CHL Import Draft first and second round picks.

“Although we have been fortunate in the past with the CHL Import Draft we feel that in this day and age it is becoming very hard to attract the top European players.  Our team is eligible to return 19 players and there is no guarantee if we selected a player today that he would be able to play in our top six forwards or top four defensemen.” commented Chynoweth.

Season Tickets are currently on sale for the 2010-2011 season.  You can choose your seats by visiting the Kootenay ICE Office.