Hockey lifer and longtime Knoxville Ice Bears' Coach Mike Murray has taken on bigger roles. Now CEO, President a Co-Owner of the organization, I now know why after meeting Mike in person. No matter the industry or sport, if you give 1000% effort, passion, blood, sweat and tears, all your goals and dreams will be achieved. Mike Murray is living proof of just that. In just the first few minutes of talking with Mike I soon realized that he lives by the same work ethic. A firm handshake, confidence and love for his sport. I had a chance to catch up with Mike to chat about his long and impressive hockey career, which has led him to the top right here in Knoxville. We also dive into music and this is the reason why 93.7 WVLZ is the official Ice Bears' radio station.
Ralph: Hey Mike, it was great to meet you in Knoxville and based on our conversation you’ve had quite the hockey career yourself. Tell us about
how you got started in hockey and how it led to you playing pro?
Mike: Born and raised in Canada, I started skating at the age of three and quickly developed a passion for hockey. At 15, I was drafted to play junior hockey and moved away from home to pursue the sport at a higher level. Two years later, I was selected by the New York Islanders in the NHL Draft. At 19, I was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, where I signed a three-year contract. My career later took me overseas, with seasons spent competing in Germany and Denmark. As a favor to my agent—and with an eye toward closing out my playing days on my own terms—I finished my professional career in Knoxville.
Ralph: What led you to the Knoxville ice bears?
Mike: I was later invited to buy into the team by the original ownership group. At the time, I was managing a four-star golf course just outside the city and was being groomed for a regional manager role within the company. When the ownership group of the Ice Bears asked me to resign from my golf position to take over the team as President, General Manager, and co-owner, I accepted the opportunity. In my first year in leadership, the team secured the first of four championships and five regular-season titles during my tenure.
Ralph: You expressed your passion for hard rock music let’s dive into that a little bit?
Mike: I’ve always had a deep love for rock music—something that always felt like a perfect match for the intensity and energy of the sport. Some of my favorite bands today include Breaking Benjamin, Red, Nothing More, Deftones, Mammoth WVH, and Daughtry.
Ralph: What are your top five albums?
Mike: Rush Moving - Pictures ACDC Back in Black, Yes 90125,The Cult, Def Leppard and Metallica
Ralph: What are some of the best concerts you’ve attended?
Mike: AC DC, Def Leppard, INXS Metallica
Ralph: Knoxville ice bears fans seem to be very aggressive, booing the opposing team with super ice bear spirit . Do you think most hockey fans come to games just to see if there’s going to be a fight?
Mike: My 4 things…A great promotion, great crowd, win and a fight ! Yes
Ralph: All of the ice Bears games are broadcast on 93.7WVLZ - hard rock and hockey. Aggressive sport, aggressive music, seems to be Win. Right down to your team players coming out with Metallica theme songs?
Mike: As a player, the energy and intensity to start a game is a must especially at home from a player and a fa. That’s important to have everyone dialed in.
Ralph: Is there anything you’d like to add?
Mike: I played 17 years professionally and very fortunate to make it to the highest level, how ever I realize I am not in the hockey business but rather the entertainment business and am committed to providing a great Ice Bears Experience ! Our next game is the 28th and is Dino Races on ice. Calling all dinosaurs kids and adults, bring your dino costume and run the race down and back on the ice, simply go to www.knoxvilleicebears.com / promotions page / Dino Races and register. Thanks Ralph, it was great meeting you!
