Austin Ice Bats

October 31, 2007
Blazers Third Period Mistakes Cost Bats

(Oklahoma City, OK) - The Ice Bats traveled to Oklahoma City looking for a Halloween victory against the Blazers in the Ford Center on Wednesday night. Unfortunately after a close two periods, things fell apart in the third and the Blazers won, 7-3.

The first period back and forth action as the Ice Bats got on the board first with Brendan Cook's third goal of the season, on assists from Kurtis Kisio and Taylor Raszka. 1-0, Ice Bats. Oklahoma would come right back about a minute later and tie things up with a Dallas Flaman goal. Kurtis Kisio would pull the Bats head with a Power Play Goal from Aaron Wilson and Raszka. 2-0, Bats. With 1:35 remaining in the first, Mike Burgoyne would tie the score again at 2-2 thanks to assists from Gordon Bell and Ryan Watson. With one minute left in the period, Dan Veenema completed the first period scoring on a rebound effort. Todd Grant got the assist. It was 3-2 Bats at the end of the first.

The second period was close, but not what Austin was hoping for. Garret Prosofsky scored Shorthanded Goal from Burgoyne and Kevin Wilson to tie the game up at 3-3. The game would remain deadlocked at three, until 1:04, when Kevin Wilson banged home a Power Play Goal to put the Blazers up 4-3. That's how the second period would end.

The third was simply a Halloween nightmare for Austin as they trailed 4-3 entering play, but things would quickly unravel starting with a Power Play Goal by Michael Kaye. Ryan Watson and Prosofsky had the assists. Nearly a minute later Peter Robertson threw a puck in front of the net, which took a funny bounce and trickled between the legs of Miroslav Kopriva, making the score quickly 6-3. As frustration began to escalate on the part of the Bats, Michael Kaye added insult to injury with his second goal of the game. It came at 11:06 and put the game out of reach, 7-3.

Next up for the Ice Bats is a road contest against the Texas Brahmas at 7:05 PM on Friday. The Ice Bats will then return home against Youngstown on Saturday, for a 7:35 contest at Chaparral Ice Arena.

The Ice Bats are the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and the Houston Aeros (AHL). The team is currently in their 12th season in Austin. For single game, group, and season ticket packages call (512) 927-7825, or visit icebats.com for more information.

October 31, 2007
Ice Bats and Blazers Tonight, Brahmas Friday

(Oklahoma City, OK) - The Ice Bats begin a two game road trip tonight starting in Oklahoma City, where they'll square of against the Blazers at the Ford Center on Halloween. The Ice Bats are coming of back to back wins in which they've scored nine goals in those two games, four of them shorthanded.

"We've played well our last two games. Things are clicking offensively for us, but that doesn't make tonight any easier," said Ice Bats Coach, Brent Hughes, "(The Blazers) are a good team with a good coach. I'm excited to see what we can do."

Oklahoma City enters tonight's contest with a 2-2 record (the Ice Bats are 2-3). The Blazers defeated Wichita 5-1 at home on Saturday. Gordon Bell leads the Blazers with seven points this season (1 Goal, 6 Assists), while the Ice Bats have four different players leading the team with six points each.

Tonight's game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin or at icebats.com. The puck drops at 7:05 PM.

After tonight, the Ice Bats will travel to Dallas to take on the Texas Brahmas on Friday, also at 7:05. That game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and icebats.com as well.

October 27, 2007
Killer Bees Two in a Row for the Ice Bats

Looking to build on the momentum of their first win of the season the previous night, the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats traveled to Dodge Arena is Hidalgo, Texas to take on the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Saturday night.

In the first period both teams traded bows back and forth, but neither could score a goal. Jamie Thompson had a close call for the Bats early when he ripped a slap shot from the left circle that hit the top of the post. Rio Grande Valley had a couple scoring opportunities as well, but Miroslav Kopriva turned away all 11 first period shots with some dazzling saves.

In the second period both teams continued to find quality scoring opportunities, but both goaltenders continued to make saves. The Ice Bats finally broke the tie at 13:01 with a shorthanded goal by Brendan Cook, his second of the season. Jason Tessier and Taylor Raszka tallied the assists on the play. It was the fourth shorthanded goal by the Bats and the fifth point for Tessier in the last two games. Rio Grande would answer back at 6:56 when Mike Looby banged home the Bees' first goal on assists from Nick Warriner and Mark O'Leary. At the end of the second, the game was tied 1-1.

Both teams picked up the hitting and aggression in the third, trying to snap the tie. At 8:37 Jamie Thompson put the Bats up for good thanks some beautiful passing from Darryl McArthur and Zech Klann on an Ice Bats power play. It was Thompson's third goal of the season, and it gave the Bats a 2-1 advantage. Henry Kuster added an empty net goal with 1:30 to play, and Kurtis Kisio banged home another power play goal to make the final score 4-1, Ice Bats.

Miroslav Kopriva was the top start of the game stopping 35 of 36 shots, and the Bats have now won two in a row, after losing their first three games of the season.

Next up for the Ice Bats is a Halloween, road trip to Oklahoma City to take on the Blazers at the Ford Center at 7:05 PM. The game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin, or online at icebats.com.

October 26, 2007
Scorpions Ice Bats Tie CHL Record in First Win

(Austin, TX) -- All in all it was a well deserved night for the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats. After giving up a shorthanded goal in each of their last two games, the Ice Bats tied a CHL record with three shorthanded goals in their 5-2 win over the New Mexico Scorpions.

It was Austin who started fast tonight as Jason Tessier scored the first shorthanded goal just 3:37 into the game, giving the Bats a 1-0 lead. It wasn't until the 6:00 mark that New Mexico would get on the board thanks to Michael Kolarz, tying the game at 1-1. Less than two minutes later, Tessier would strike again, this time on the power play, and give the Ice Bats a 2-1 edge heading into the second period.

Less than four minutes into the second, Henry Kuster scored the second shorthanded goal of the game pulling the Bats ahead 3-1. Brendan Cook tallied the assist. Then at 8:09 into the second Darryl McArthur scored for the Bats again, this one of the power play variety.

It was 4-1 heading into the third, where Zech Klann would extend the lead further on the Bats third shorthanded goal of the game, tying a CHL record for shorthanded goals in a game. Jamie Thompson and Jason Tessier were the assist makers on the record tying goal, 5-1 Ice Bats. New Mexico did add one more score off the stick of Dominic Osman to make the final score 5-2.

Special teams was the difference tonight for the Ice Bats as three of their goals came on shorthanded situations, while the other two were on the power play. Jason Tessier lead the team with four points in the game as the Ice Bats pick up their first win of the season to improve to 1-3-0 on the year. Miroslav Kopriva was the third star of the game stopping 34 shots. Henry Kuster was the second star recording a goal and an assist. And of course, Tessier was named the number one start of the game with two goals and two assists in the night. The Ice Bats travel to Rio Grande Valley on Saturday to play the Killer Bees at 7:35.

October 25, 2007
Scorpions Slow Start Stops the Ice Bats

(Austin, TX) - It only took the New Mexico Scorpions 19 seconds to strike first in last night's Central Hockey League contest against the Austin Ice Bats. The game ended with a 4-2, New Mexico victory.

Blair Stayzer netted the first goal for the Scorpions from a Ross McCain pass. Midway through the first, Andrew Smale would extend the New Mexico lead to 2-0. It was a slow start for the Bats defensively, as the team struggled to keep the play out of their zone.

In the second, the Scorpions would strike quick again, when Craig Macdonald scored just a minute into the frame, 3-0. The Ice Bats then started to pick up the pace, and the hitting. A blast from the point by Jason Tessier would put the Bats on the board with a power play goal. Todd Grant and Darryl McArthur tallied the assists. The two teams skated to a 3-1 score in favor of New Mexico, until there was less than 3:00 to go in the period. Zech Klann smacked home a crossing pass from Brendan Cook to pull the Ice Bats within one, 3-2, heading into the third.

The Ice Bats play was gaining momentum as the third period progressed. The team had chances, but could not capitalize on any. At the 10:06 mark of the third, New Mexico's Blair Stayzer would kill the comeback rally with a shorthanded goal to give New Mexico a 4-2 lead. That's how the game would end.

The same two teams hook up again tonight at Chaparral Ice Arena for a 7:35 start. The Ice Bats are 0-3-0 on the year, and looking to pick up their first win. Tickets are still available.

October 24, 2007
Langdone Ice Bats Get Impact Rookie

(Austin, TX) - The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats are pleased to announce today the acquisition of Ashlee Rod Langdone, Jr. for the upcoming season.

Ashlee Jr. is the son of current Ice Bats Forward, Ashlee Langdone and his wife Stephanie. He was born at St. David's South Hospital on October 23rd at 3:32 in the afternoon. Langdone Jr. comes to the Ice Bats listed at 19" and weighs 6 pounds, 15 ounces.

"Well, he's still young, but we want to get him out there and see what he can do," said Ice Bats Coach Brent Hughes, "His dad's a player, so we know it's in his blood. We know he'll make a big impact on our team this year."

Langdone Jr. could not be reached for comment.

The Ice Bats organization is thrilled for the Langdone family on their new addition, and can't wait to see Langdone Jr. in uniform.

October 24, 2007
Ice Bats Bats Host Scorpions, Then Go Bee Hunting

(Austin, TX) - The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats are gearing up for back to back home games against the New Mexico Scorpions this week, followed by a road contest against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Thursday's and Friday's home games start at 7:35.

The Bats are looking for their first win of the season after starting this year with two losses. The team has given up 10 goals in those two games.

"New Mexico is going to have a different look this year because of their new coach. They'll do some different things from last year so we'll be adapting as we move through the game," says Coach Brent Hughes, "Our defense is obviously a big factor. We can't give up five goals a game and expect to win. We've had some breakdowns and miscommunication, but we're working on it and it's a priority."

Transactions:
The Ice Bats will have a few roster changes for the upcoming games. Defenseman, Jason Hamilton has been released by the team. But Daniel Veenema has been activated to take his place. Ted Vandermeer and John Ronan are still on the IR list.

October 20, 2007
Jackalopes Penalties Hurt Bats, Lose 5-1

(Austin, TX) -- It was a slow start for the Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League, in their first road contest of the year against the Odessa Jackalopes. Odessa controlled the play in the Bats' zone early through the first period, testing Goaltender Miroslav Kopriva. The first mistake for Austin came at the 14:03 mark of the first period when Odessa's John Kozoriz forced a turnover in front of the Bats net, and scored a shorthanded goal making the score 1-0, Jackalopes. As things progressed Austin started to pick up the pace, thanks in large part to Ashlee Langdone's first fight of the season. Henry Kuster would tie things up on a power play goal, the result of some crisp passing from Darryl McArthur and Jamie Thompson, who tallied the assists. At the end of the first period, the score was tied 1-1.

In the second period things got worse for Austin as Odessa would jump back on top from a power play goal by Sylvain Dufresne at 14:05. Seconds later, Odessa would extend their lead to 3-1 off a Sebastien Thinel's second goal of the season. The Ice Bats put themselves at a disadvantage for the rest of the period by recording four penalties and playing shorthanded for much of the second period. It was 3-1, Odessa heading into the third.

It went from bad to worse for Austin in the third when Odessa would pull away for good scoring two goals in the first seven minutes. A power play goal by Dufresne, his second of the game, and one by John Kozoriz. Brendan Cook added another tally for Austin late in the third, but it was too little too late as the Ice Bats fell 5-1.

Penalties were the difference as Austin had eight for the game, and Odessa was able to score three power play goals in the contest. Next up for Austin are back-to-back home games against the New Mexico Scorpions. The action starts Thursday at 7:30 at Chaparral Ice Arena.

The Ice Bats are the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and the Houston Aeros (AHL). The team is getting ready to begin their 12th season in Austin. The 2007-2008 campaign begins October 19th against the Texas Brahmas at 7:30 PM. For single game, group, and season ticket packages call (512) 927-7825, or visit icebats.com for more information.

October 19, 2007
Brahmas Bats Lose a Close One in Opener, 5-4

The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats had a chance after coming back from two goals down in the third period, but Blair Manning of the Brahmas closed the door with a late goal to hand Austin their first loss 5-4.

The scoring started off the stick of Taylor Raszka, when he blasted home a power play goal at 15:39. Texas would quickly counter, however with two goals of their own by Jordan Cameron and Kevin McLeod. At the end of the first it was 2-1 Texas.

Early in the second period, the Ice Bats would tie things up again thanks to another power play goal by veteran Jamie Thompson. Throughout the period, the Brahmas were strong at keeping the play deep in the Bats zone, and it eventually led to two goals from Scott Sheppard. One of them was on the power play. At the end of the second the Brahmas held a 4-2 lead.

But in the third the Bats came out with a jolt of energy, propelled by Thompson's second goal of the game to close the gap to 4-3. Later on at 13:51 mark of period three, Taylor Raska took a pass from Kurtis Kisio to score on a breakaway and tie the game up at 4-4. But just as Ice Bats fans had something to cheer about, Blair Manning quieted the crowd by scoring the Brahmas fifth goal of the game less three minutes after the Bats tied the game.

The final score was 5-4, Texas.

Blair Manning of Texas was named the #1 Star of the game. Thompson and Raska of Austin were #2 and #3.

Next up for the Ice Bats is a road game tomorrow night against the Odessa Jackalopes, where they hope to pick up their first win of the season.

The Ice Bats are the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and the Houston Aeros (AHL). This is the team's 12th year in Austin. For single game, group, and season ticket packages call (512) 927-7825, or visit icebats.com for more information.

October 17, 2007
Ice Bats Open on Friday, Games on ESPN Austin

The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats will kick off the 2007-2008 season this Friday at home against the Texas Brahmas. The game will also mark the return of the Brahmas to the CHL after taking last season off.

"We've had a good camp, and we're ready to get things started," said Head Coach, Brent Hughes, "I'm anxious to see what our club can do against another team when it counts."

Last season the Ice Bats finished 21-29-14 and missed the playoffs. That's a number the team hopes to improve on this year.

Also this season fans can hear the team's road games broadcasted on 1530 ESPN Austin. Because of scheduling conflicts, the broadcasts will begin on October 31st with a road game against the Oklahoma City Blazers. Brien Rea will call the games this year for the Ice Bats.

October 14, 2007
Ice Bats Lose to Sea Wolves, 5-1

(Austin, TX) -- In last night's contest between the Ice Bats and the Mississippi Sea Wolves, Ryan Menei was the star, giving the Bats all they could handle. He finished the game with 2 goals and an assist. Playing with a short bench, the Ice Bats mustered very little offense against an ECHL team which outshot them 42-17. The scoring began in the first period when Mississippi's Justin Cross scored less than two minutes into the game. Menei would add his first goal of the night with 4:32 remaining in the period.

In the second, Austin showed signs of life, when Kurtis Kisio scored on a deflection goal to cut the deficit to 2-1, but it was all Sea Wolves after that. Just a couple minutes later, Mike Falk answered back for Mississippi to make it 3-1. Menei would add his second goal of the game, shortly followed by another goal from Falk to make the score 5-1 for the Sea Wolves. Menei tallied an assist on Falk's second goal.

Miguel Beaudry and Miroslav Kopriva split equal time in net for the Ice Bats. Beaudry stopped 16 of 19 shots, and was tagged with the loss. Kopriva stopped 21 of 23 shots.

The preseason is now over for the Ice Bats. They went 1-2 in their three games. A 4-3 win over Laredo, a 3-2 shootout loss to Laredo, and last night's loss to the Sea Wolves.

October 13, 2007
Bucks Ice Bats Fall in Shootout, 3-2

Very few similarities occurred last night between the Laredo and the Ice Bats compared to their first preseason game against each other. Less penalties occurred, the game went to overtime, and the Ice Bats lost in a shootout.

At 9:05 in the first period, Darryl McArthur scored to give the Ice Bats an early 1-0 lead. That lead would hold until the second period, when John Ronan scored at 3:48 to extend the score to 2-0, in favor of the Bats.

But unlike the first matchup, this time Laredo would complete the comeback when James Hiebert got the Bucks started with a goal at 3:59 in the third period to cut the Bats lead to 2-1. Brent MacSween later added another to tie the game at 2-2. It was MacSween's fourth goal in two preseason games against the Ice Bats.

With no winner decided in overtime, both teams moved to a shootout. Kurtis Kisio scored the only shootout goal for the Ice Bats, and Rane Carnegie notched one for the Bucks forcing a sudden death shootout. Laredo's Chris Korchinski would be the difference maker, scoring the game winning shootout goal to give Laredo the 3-2 victory.

The Ice Bats are now 1-1 in preseason play, and return home to Chaparral Ice Arena for their final preseason contest against the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL. The game is on Saturday at 7:30, and tickets are half-price.

October 12, 2007
Ice Bats/Laredo Round Two, in College Station, TX

(Austin, TX) - Tonight the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats and Laredo Bucks will pickup where they left off, in a preseason contest in College Station, TX tonight. Last night the two teams played here in Austin, which resulted in a 4-3 victory of the Ice Bats.

The two teams combined for 249 penalty minutes in last night's game as well, including 15 major penalties and 6 Game Misconducts.

While tonight's contest between the two teams will be played in College Station, tomorrow the Ice Bats return home for their final preseason game, against the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL. Gametime tomorrow is slated for 7:00 at Chaparral Ice Arena, and tickets are half price.

October 11, 2007
Bucks Ice Bats Top Laredo 4-3 in Preseason Opener

(Austin, TX) - The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats opened up preseason play last night against last year's President Cup runner-up, the Laredo Bucks. Thanks to a fast start scoring 3 goals in the 1st period and another in the 2nd, the Bats held on to win 4-3. But the numbers that stood out in the game were 249 Penalty Minutes, 15 Major Penalties, and 12 Misconducts.

It only took 7 seconds into the preseason for Bats Defenseman, Jason Hamilton to make his impression by squaring off with Laredo's Alex Penner at center ice. After the fighting penalties were assessed, Zech Klann opened up the scoring for the Bats with a power play goal at the 16:58 mark of the 1st period. The Ice Bats added two more goals in the opening frame with an even strength goal by Matt Stang and shorthanded goal by Henry Kuster.

John Neal opened the 2nd period netting the Bats fourth goal of the game at 17:58, then tensions boiled over...At the 1:25 mark of the 2nd period both teams engaged in an altercation involving four players from each team, and sending all eight to the penalty box. When it was all said and done, both teams combined to record 21 penalties and six Game Misconducts (ejections) from the feud. Amongst all the chaos, Laredo's Brent MacSween managed to score the Bucks first goal of the game before the period ended. MacSween added two more goals in the 3rd period to complete the Hat Trick, but it wasn't enough as the Ice Bats prevailed through a somewhat routine 3rd period to record their first win of the preseason.

Miguel Beaudry was the First Star of the Game recording 17 saves in the 28 shutout minutes he played, before being replaced by Sean Sheehan.

The Ice Bats will play their second game of the preseason against the same Laredo Bucks, Friday night in College Station, TX. Saturday night will be their final preseason contest against the Mississippi Sea Wolves (ECHL) at 7:00 at Chaparral Ice Arena. Tickets are half-price for the Saturday night game.

October 10, 2007
Ice Bats Media Day Moved for Schedule Conflicts

(Austin, TX) - Because of scheduling conflicts, the Ice Bats Media Day has been moved to Tuesday, October 16th.

All media outlets are invited to attend. Media members who've requested credentials for the upcoming season will be able to pick them up on Monday as well. Those members who would like a media credential for 2007-2008, but have not requested one yet, should call Brien Rea at (512) 927-7825, ext. 128 or e-mail brea@icebats.com.

The Ice Bats will begin practice at 10:00 AM for any outlets that would like to shoot some video of the team's workout. At 12:00 Noon, Coach Brent Hughes, Ashlee Langdone, Henry Kuster, and Jason Hamilton will be available for interviews afterwards.

Those attending (or requesting credentials) should notify Brien Rea in advance.

October 8, 2007
Ice Bats Hamilton Rounds Out Camp Roster

(Austin, TX) - The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League announce today that Jason Hamilton is the final player to sign as training camp begins for the team.

"He's a big player who will give us the physical presence that we need out on the ice. We want people to know this year will not be a walk in the park when it comes to playing us," said Head Coach Brent Hughes.

Hamilton previously spent two years with Quebec RadioX of the LNAH where he compiled 298 penalty minutes in 39 games over that span. He's also spent seven years playing in the East Coast and American hockey leagues. Hamilton's best offensive season was in 1997-98, when he recorded 11 points in 59 games for Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL.

"The city seems great, the people seem great," said Hamilton, "but I've come to Austin for one thing and that's the President's Cup."

October 8, 2007
Ronan Training Camp Starts Today for the Ice Bats

(Austin, TX) - The Double-A Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League begin training camp today for the 2007-2008 season.

"It'll be good to get everybody on the ice and start working towards the season and making the playoffs," said Coach Brent Hughes, "All the guys are here and they're anxious to get things started."

26 players report to camp today for the Ice Bats, but the roster will have to be trimmed to 19 for the team's season opener against the Texas Brahmas. The following players are on the team's training camp roster currently:
Miguel Beaudry
Peter Brady
Chris Cole
Landon Dingle
Blair Grennier
Jason Hamilton
Darcy Johnson
Stuart Kerr
Kurtis Kisio
Zech Klann
Henry Kuster
Ashlee Langdone
Darryl McArthur
John Neal
Geoff Patton
Taylor Raszka
Sean Sheehan
Matt Stang
Jason Tessier
Jamie Thompson
Ted Vandermeer
Jordan Weibel
Aaron Wilson
John Ronan
Alex Motley
Jeremi Marcil

October 5, 2007
Ice Bats Unveil New Website

(Austin, TX) - The Austin Ice Bats announce today their brand new website is alive and kicking on the internet at http://www.icebats.com.

John Payton, Greg Johnson, and a number of other staff members at Faith Highway web design services were critical in the construction of the Ice Bats new site, and the organization would publicly like to say "Thank You" for your efforts.

"Updating and renovating our website was a priority for the Ice Bats at the end of last season. It's something that's needed to be done for quite a while now," said team owner, Randy Sanders.

A few parts of the website are still under construction, but the Ice Bats 2007-2008 schedule is available as well as ticket prices to home games. The team's roster is also being updated with each player that signs to play hockey in Austin for the upcoming season.

October 1, 2007
Ice Bats Host National Instruments Family Day

(Austin, TX) - The Austin Ice Bats announce today that its January 19th game against the Laredo Bucks is sold out in order to host a family day for the employees of National Instruments. This marks the first time in CHL history that an organization's game has been sold out to a company.

"This is an opportunity for us to try something new," said Dan Cowan, Director of Ticket Sales for the Ice Bats, "We're looking forward to seeing how things work out with NI, and we hope to provide them with a great experience."

The Ice Bats game against the Laredo Bucks starts at 5:00 PM, but there will also be events and activities throughout the day for the families of NI employees. NI employees can direct their questions to Kristi Nybro by calling (512) 683-9419 or e-mail at kristi.nybro@ni.com.

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