​KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – The Knoxville Ice Bears will have a new captain next season as veteran forward Jimmy Soper is leaving the organization to become the head coach of the Baton Rouge franchise in the Federal Prospects Hockey League.Soper played a key role in the Ice Bears’ postseason success over the past two seasons. He appeared in 102 games, recording 18 goals and 38 assists while serving as the team’s captain and providing veteran leadership on and off the ice.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement Former Vol QB Casey Clausen brings youth boys and girls football league to Tennessee The Waterloo, Ontario, native joined the Ice Bears ahead of the 2024-25 season and was one of the first signings of the John Gurskis head coaching era.“I’ve often said Jimmy is the straw that stirs the drink when it comes to our team,” Gurskis said in a statement. “He’s led the room well, he battled, he fought, he produced in the playoffs, he did a lot of things to help our team. I wish him nothing but the best as he opens a new chapter to begin his coaching career.”Now, Soper will transition from player to coach as he begins the next chapter of his hockey career behind the bench in Baton Rouge.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement ▶ See more top stories on WATE.com “It’s hard to put into words what the past few years have meant to me and my family,” Soper said. “I want to thank the entire Knoxville Ice Bears organization, my teammates, coaches, staff, sponsors and, most importantly, the incredible fans. From the moment we arrived, Knoxville became so much more than a place to play hockey, it became a second home for my family.”Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.