KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- With the season rapidly approaching, head coach Marc Rodgers has filled another roster spot and named the 2009-2010 player assistant coach.

Coach Rodgers has named B.J. Pelkey to be his player assistant coach for the 2009-2010 season. Pelkey has been a forward for the Ice Bears for the past 2 years. His hockey skill and dedication, as well as his hunger for hockey knowledge have earned him this position.

“I have named Pelkey my Player Assistant Coach because he has a great hockey mind and gets along with every player. He will not only help me on the ice but also off the ice. He will be assisting with player recruiting during the summer months and will be assisting with hockey systems during the winter months. Pelkey’s aspirations are to coach hockey some day, and I will help him achieve that goal,” commented Coach Rodgers.

Bobby Joe Pelkey began his hockey career at Lake Superior University in 2002. He played four seasons at the NCAA school before going to Odessa, Texas to play for the Odessa Jackalopes of the Central Hockey League (CHL). The 6’, 210-pound forward only played seven games as a Jackalope, but has been a driving force between the back-to-back Ice Bears wins over the past two seasons. Since 2007, Pelkey has played 112 games, scored 44 goals and had 46 assists with 111 penalty minutes as an Ice Bear.

The coaching staff has also signed Lorne Tessier to a try-out agreement. Lorne Tessier has been signed as a defensemen coming from the Collingwood Blues where he scored 2 goals had 5 assists and 31 penalty minutes. Tessier started his career with the Barrie Colts in 2007-2008. He continued his career with the Couchiching Terriers from 2007-2009. Then after his stint with the Cottonwood Blues in 2008-2009, he is finally with the Ice Bears.

The Knoxville Ice Bears will play one home exhibition game on Saturday, October 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. Tickets are only $7 each and are available now. For more information on game dates, season tickets and promotional activities, please visit www.knoxvilleicebears.com. Call (865) 656-4444 for tickets.

Story courtesy: The Knoxville Ice Bears