University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP) men’s
hockey defenseman Mark Bittner signed a professional contract with the Pensacola Ice Flyers of
the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), the team announced Friday,
March 31.

As
a senior for the second-ranked Pointers this season, Bittner was named
Honorable Mention All-Wisconsin Intercollegiate Conference (WIAC), after he
appeared in all 29 games and totaled five assists on the season.

A
native of Crookston, Minn., Bittner skated in 95 games over four seasons and
recorded 23 points as staple on the Pointers’ blue line.

Bittner
joins 2016 graduate Sean Gammage in Pensacola, and becomes the 13th UWSP men’s
hockey alum currently playing professionally.

In
four seasons at UWSP, Bittner helped lead the Pointers to a 90-23-8 record,
including four 20–win seasons, four NCAA Tournament appearances, three trips to the
Frozen Four and the 2016 National Championship.

“I
am very excited for Mark,” said UWSP men’s hockey head coach Chris Brooks. “His
development over the last four years speaks volumes on his coachability and
attention to detail.

“Furthermore,
his commitment has provided him this opportunity,” he said.