KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (March 23, 2026) – Senior forward Frankie Ireland of the Stonehill College men's hockey team has signed with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the SPHL, the organization announced Friday.

"We're very excited for Frank to sign in Knoxville. It's a well-earned opportunity for him after a great four years at Stonehill," said Skyhawks head coach David Berard. "Frank was an outstanding player and leader, serving as a two-year captain. He made a huge impact on our program with his on-ice performance and leadership through our transition to Division I. We look forward to watching him as he fulfills his dream of playing professional hockey."

Ireland, a four-year member and three-time captain for the Skyhawks, was a consistent offensive presence throughout his collegiate career. He appeared in 126 games, totaling 84 points on 34 goals and 50 assists.

A local product from Easton, Massachusetts, Ireland set the standard both offensively and as a leader on and off the ice. He became the first player in Stonehill's NCAA Division I era to wear the captain's "C" in back-to-back seasons. Ireland also made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2022-23, recording a career-high 44 points — the most by a Skyhawk since Brendan O'Brien's 45-point season in 2006-07.

Ireland joins a Knoxville squad that currently sits seventh in the SPHL standings with 56 points and a 26-24-1-3 record this season. In three games so far, Ireland has made an immediate impact, totaling three points — all assists — including a three-assist performance in a single game against the Fayetteville Marksmen on Sunday, March 22.

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