HUNTERSVILLE, NC (March 12, 2019) – Today, the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL) announced that Bryce Nielsen of the Knoxville Ice Bears was named Warrior Player of the Week for March 4 to March 10.
Over the weekend, Nielsen and the Ice Bears competed against the number one team in the SPHL standings, the Peoria Rivermen. During the weekend series, Nielsen racked up a total of four points (3g, 1a).
“Bryce has proven to be a consistent 200-foot player all year for our club,” said Jeff Carr, head coach of the Knoxville Ice Bears. “His focus and professionalism are the two reasons he’s having a consistent season and has scored clutch goals this year.”
On Friday night, the Ice Bears were down by two in the first period. Nielsen helped Knoxville get back in the game by scoring a power play goal late in the period. In the third period, Nielsen contributed an assist on a goal that would tie the game for the Ice Bears. Knoxville rallied, scored four unanswered goals and finished the night with a 5-3 victory.
Nielsen continued to tally up his points on Saturday night. The game remained scoreless until the rookie scored the first goal of the game in the second period. Later, Nielsen put the final nail in the coffin as he scored an empty-netter to close out the game. The Ice Bears won 3-1 over the Rivermen.
Other nominees include Kasey Kulczycki, Birmingham (1g), Joseph Mizzi, Evansville (2g, 2a), Cody Brown, Fayetteville (2g, 2a), Trevor Gerling, Huntsville (2g), John Siemer, Macon (2g), Eddie Matsushima, Pensacola (2g), Shane Bennett, Quad City (1g, 2a) and Jacob Caffrey, Roanoke (1-0-0, 0.919 SV%).