By Abby Doperak · KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – What began as a freshman stepping onto the ice in 2018 has evolved into much greater, as Drew King now leads the Tennessee Ice Vol…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – What began as a freshman stepping onto the ice in 2018 has evolved into much greater, as Drew King now leads the Tennessee Ice Vols from behind the bench of the same program that helped shape his career.
After spending five seasons as a player for Tennessee, King transitioned directly into the role of head coach, working alongside assistant coaches Harry Cadmus and Garrett Griffis. The move marked a significant shift for the program, which was searching for new leadership and direction.
“The club decided it was time for a change,” King said. “I stepped in right after I was done. We saw relative success, and ever since then, it’s just been trying to chase down more.”
King’s transition from player to coach came with a unique challenge: leading former teammates who are now players under his direction. Four current Ice Vols - Tyler Iles, Kyle Oakley, Myles Jackson, and Connor Frazer – once shared the ice with King as teammates during his final season as a player.
“They made the transition so much easier on me,” King said. “They accepted it and were always on my side and helped me out with anything I needed. They’ve done a really good job transitioning from teammate and friend to leader and coach.”
For King and Frazer, captain for the Ice Vols, their long-standing relationship has served as an advantage, helping to strengthen communication between coach and player.
“I have been playing under him or with him for such a long time now,” Frazer said. “It allows me to communicate with Drew in a way that not a lot of other people can.”
King’s familiarity with the program extends beyond the players he once skated with. Both Cadmus and Griffis, now his assistant coaches, were also former teammates, creating a coaching staff rooted in shared experience.
“Drew as a coach is very similar to how he was as a player,” Cadmus said. “He’s a stern leader. He’s always going to try to lead by example, take charge, and he’s not afraid to let a guy know if he’s got to step it up.”
While King’s coaching resembles a tough love style, players say it comes from a place of commitment and care for the program. The respect between coach and players remains evident, even during demanding moments throughout the season.
“We see the effort he puts into the team,” Frazer said. “And we all have respect for him. If everyone loved the team as much as Drew does, we wouldn’t lose a hockey game.”
King’s coaching style utimaletly led to him earning the title of College Hockey South Divison I coach of the year for the 2024-25 season.
Away from the collegiate bench, King remains immersed in the sport. He works in the front office for the Knoxville Ice Bears as a corporate sales executive, gaining professional experience while continuing to learn from head coach John Gruskis. King uses that exposure as another way to grow as a coach and leader.
“He eats, sleeps, breathes hockey,” Cadmus said. “The guy loves it. Even when he’s not with Tennessee coaching, he’s still involved with hockey. He’s around it all the time.”
Founded in 1966, Tennessee Hockey has undergone numerous changes. In recent years, the program has seen notable improvement, not only in player talent and on-ice performance, but also in organizational structure and culture.
“To see where the program has come since Drew has gotten involved,” Cadmus said. “It’s a night and day difference.”
Cadmus is not alone in crediting King for the program’s growth. Players point to his dedication, long hours, and deep personal investment as key factors behind the program’s progress.
“The program is Drew’s baby,” Frazer said. “It is something he’s been working on for a while now, and everyone has the utmost respect for him. He’s put more time and effort into this team than every single person in this program currently.”
As the Ice Vols continue to build toward future success, King’s influence remains visible in every aspect of the team.
“If there was an Ice Vols Hall of Fame, I would put Drew first ballot,” Cadmus said. “He has been the spark the club needed to get to where we want to end up.”
Whether on the ice or behind the bench, Drew King’s influence defines the Ice Vols, leaving a mark that will shape the program for years to come.