I talked to an appliance guy today... the wires also loop to the heat plate so once they're severed the ice won't come off the plate, which is exactly what mine does... the problem is the replacement part is $350!! Yikes!

It looks like a pretty easy thing to fix if I had the right kind of wire. The appliance guy says it's a special stainless steel wire that is really expensive. It should be made of diamonds for what they're charging.

I can't see sinking that much money into a 10 year old appliance. If I can't find someone to 're-string' it I'll likley just have to shag my butt upstairs for ice.