Austin Ice Bats

February 29, 2008
Ice Bats Bananas After Shootout Win Over Gorillas, 4-3

(Austin, TX) - It was as close as you could get to a playoff atmosphere in a regular season game. The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats and Amarillo Gorillas have been neck and neck for the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference since January. Friday night at Chaparral Ice Arena two teams met at center ice separated by just a point in the standings, with the Ice Bats currently occupying the fifth and final playoff spot. Regulation and overtime were not enough to decide the victor. Instead the Ice Bats used their seventh shootout of the season to pull out a 4-3 victory, and move two points ahead of the Gorillas in the standings.

The Bats wasted no time getting the early edge, as John Ronan scored in the games first 18 seconds to make it 1-0, Bats. RG Flath and Henry Kuster tallied the assists. That was the only goal of the opening frame.

In the second, Brendan Cook scored his 27th goal of the season on assists from Jason Tessier and Mike Bartlett to give the Bats a 2-0 lead. A minute later, rookie of the year candidate David Nimmo put Amarillo on the board scoring his 30th goal of the season with helpers from Bill Vandermeer and Austin Sutter. The Ice Bats held a 2-1 edge heading into the third period.

It was a crazy third period as the Bats made it a two goal lead again on John Ronan's second goal of the game and his 16th of the year on an RG Flath helper to make it 3-1 Bats. Amarillo would come storming back however with two shorthanded goals. Matt Miller closed the game to one with a goal on assists from Chris Lipsett and Trevor Read. Then with less than four minutes remaining, Austin Sutter tied the game up at 3-3 with a goal. Bill Vandermeer was the assist man, giving Amarillo five shorties in their last two games. The game headed to overtime in a 3-3 tie.

Neither team could score in overtime sending the Ice Bats to their seventh shootout of the season. Austin entered the game with a 5-1 shootout record this season.

Amarillo's Chris Martini and Austin's John Ronan each scored in the shootout's opening round. Brendan Cook put the Bats ahead in round four with a goal, but Nimmo kept the Gorillas alive threading a shot just under the crossbar in round five. Bats goalie Miguel Beaudry denied Matt Miller in sixth round setting up John Neal to score the game winner for the Ice Bats.

Austin improved to 23-29-1 on the year and picked up their seventh shootout victory of the season. The Bats are now two points ahead of Amarillo for the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference. Tomorrow Austin will host Rio Grande Valley at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:30 PM.

At 6:00 PM however, fans can attend a check presentation as the Ice Bats have raised $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. At the ceremony Dan Veenema, RG Flath, and Doug Groenestege of the Ice Bats will all have their heads shaved in support of Komen. Tickets are available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

The Ice Bats are the AA Affiliate for the NHL's Minnesota Wild and the AHL's Houston Aeros (AAA). The team is currently playing its 12th season in Austin. Single game tickets and mini-plans are available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 27, 2008
Ice Bats Veenema, Flath, and Groenestege Lose Their Hair for Cancer Saturday; Bats Reach $10,000 Goal for Susan G. Komen

(Austin, TX) - The Ice Bats' Dan Veenema made the challenge, RG Flath and Doug Groenestege upped the ante...then the Ice Bats cashed in for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

When it was decided the Ice Bats would wear pink jerseys and use pink sticks in order to try and raise money for the Komen Foundation, Dan Veenema challenged if the organization reached their $6000 goal, he would shave his head. After their Komen Night game vs. Corpus Christi, which the Bats won 3-1, RG Flath and Doug Groenestege said if the Bats reached $10,000 they would join Veenema in his efforts.

After it was all said and done the Austin Ice Bats reached their $10,000 goal and now on Saturday at 6:00 PM, before the Bats host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at Chaparral Ice Arena, all three players will have their heads shaved in support of the Bats effort to raise funds for the Komen Foundation.

The gates will be opened earlier than usual (5:30 PM) so fans will have an opportunity to witness the clippings, and then the Bats will take to the ice in order to cut away at the Killer Bees as they make a push for their first playoff appearance in four years.

February 25, 2008
Beaudry Beaudry Wins Third CHL Goalie Of The Week Honor of the Season; Bats Goalie is the League's First Three-Time Winner of '07-'08

(Austin, TX) - The Central Hockey League announced today that the recipient for the Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week for the period ending February 24th, 2008 is Miguel Beaudry of the Austin Ice Bats.

Beaudry went 2-0-0 this past week becoming the first three-time winner of the weekly award this season. The Verner, Ontario native stopped 52 of 54 shots (.962) winning 5-1 on Thursday versus Rio Grande Valley and 3-1 on Saturday versus Corpus Christi. Beaudry has the Ice Bats in the fifth and final spot in the Southern Conference playoff chase leading by a point over Amarillo. For the season, Beaudry is 15-16-0 with a 2.95 goals against average (ninth in the CHL) and a .915 save percentage. He is fifth in the league in minutes played (1848:36), fifth in saves (985) and second in shootout wins (five).

In recognition of his achievements, Beaudry will receive a special gift from Oakley.

Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week
Miguel Beaudry, Austin Ice Bats
Position: Goaltender
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Date of Birth: May 28, 1982
Hometown: Verner, Ontario

Weekly Totals
Games Played: 2
Record: 2-0-0
Saves: 52
Shots: 54
Save %: .962
Shutouts: 0
Save %: .962

Season Totals
Games Played: 33
Record: 15-16-0
Saves: 985
Shots: 1076
Save %: .915
Shutouts: 1
Save %: .915

February 25, 2008
Ice Bats Bats Look to Settle Playoff and Family Business Friday; Austin Jumps Two Teams in Standings to Setup Showdown with Amarillo

(Austin, TX) - On February 20th the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats were sitting in seventh place in the Southern Conference, stuck in a three game losing streak, and trying to keep pace in the race for the final playoff spot.

Led by the play of goalie Miguel Beaudry and the forward line of Brendan Cook, Ted Vandermeer, and Mike Bartlett, the Ice Bats played their most impressive hockey of the season when it was most needed. The Ice Bats went 3-0-0, catapulted over two teams into fifth place and the final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference, setting up Friday's game against Amarillo as the biggest of the season thus far for the Ice Bats.

On Thursday, the Bats hosted the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees in game one of a home-and-home series. Austin exploded for five goals, including two from Brendan Cook, and Miguel Beaudry made 31 saves as the Bats cruised to a 5-1 win over the Bees.

Friday, the Bats' offense took the spotlight again in Hidalgo, TX with five goals in the win. Brendan Cook raised his play to another level by recording the Bats first Hat Trick of the season (three goals) in the 5-3 win. Cook and his linemates Ted Vandermeer and Mike Bartlett combined for 11 points (4 goals, 7 assists) in the home-and-home sweep of Rio Grande. Doug Groenestege made 32 saves.

Saturday was a special night for the Ice Bats, who wore pink jerseys and raised nearly $10,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Playoff implications were on the line as the Bats battled the Corpus Christi Rayz, one of two teams fighting Austin for that final playoff spot in the Southern Conference. Intensity swirled throughout Chaparral Ice Arena as the Bats slipped by with a 3-1 win. Cook and Vandermeer each had a goal and an assist, while Miguel Beaudry stopped 21 shots in the victory.

Along with their three wins, the weekend was just as impressive statistically for the Austin Ice Bats.

Brendan Cook finished the weekend with 9 points (6 goals, 3 assists) in the three games.
The Bats top forward line of Cook, Vandermeer, and Bartlett combined for 20 points (9 goals, 11 assists)
Miguel Beaudry went 2-0 with a 1.00 Goals Against Avg. and a .962 Save Percentage, stopping 52 of 54 shots.
In the Standings, Austin passed Corpus Christi and Amarillo for fifth in the Southern Conference with a 22-29-1 record (45 pts.). Austin is 15-7-0 since January 1st, after starting the season 7-23-1.

Family Business, Playoff Contention Headlines Friday's Showdown

This Friday at 7:35 PM the puck will drop between the Amarillo Gorillas and the Austin Ice Bats. Two teams separated by one point in the standings, fighting for the final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference.

Amarillo is led by Ted Vandermeer's brother, Bill Vandermeer, and Rookie of the Year favorite, David Nimmo. Each player has recorded 58 points this season. Nimmo with 29 goals and 29 assists, Bill Vandermeer has 27 goals and 31 assists.

The Bats and Gorillas met earlier this year on January 20th with Austin winning 5-1. Ted Vandermeer recorded two goals in the game, and Beaudry stopped 46 of 47 shots for Austin.

Starting with Friday's game the Ice Bats have 12 contests remaining in their regular season, Amarillo has 13 games. Austin hasn't qualified for the CHL playoffs since the 2002-2003 season.

Tickets for Friday's game are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com, but they are selling fast. The Bats also face Rio Grande Valley on Saturday. The puck drops at 7:35 PM on both nights.

February 23, 2008
Rayz Ice Bats in Playoff Contention after 3-1 Win

(Austin, TX) - Coming off back to back wins, the Ice Bats entered Chaparral Ice Arena on Saturday for one of their most important games of the season on "Susan G. Komen Night". The Bats were tied with Amarillo for the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference at 43 points, and dropping the puck against the Corpus Christi Rayz--their division rival who was just three points behind in sixth place. The season series between the Bats and Rayz has been competitive all year long with Austin holding a 4-3 advantage. Five of the games have been decided by a goal, three went to a shootout.

The first period reflected the season series between the two teams as it was tied 0-0 when both teams headed to the locker room for the intermission break.

The Ice Bats would open up the scoring 3:08 into the second period when Ted Vandermeer scored his 14th goal of the season from right in front of the net. Brendan Cook and Aaron Wilson had the assists. With the Bats first goal, the forward line of Cook-Vandermeer-Bartlett has recorded 13 points in the past two games. The rivalry continued between Corpus and Austin when a pair of fighting penalties were handed out to the Bats' Jason Tessier and the Rayz' Nick Lindberg. At the end of the second period it was a 1-0 lead for the Ice Bats.

The third period was just as tight as the previous two, but Austin managed to gain some breathing room when John Ronan drove in from the left side, made a move around Rayz goalie Jason Tapp and scored on a backhand shot to make the score 2-0, Bats. It was Ronan's 14th of the year; RG Flath had the assist. With 3:39 remaining, Corpus made it a one goal game when Justin Quenneville banged home a goal on helpers from Jay Latulippe and Geno Parrish. Corpus pulled their goalie for the extra attacker with 1:41 left, but Brendan Cook added an empty net goal to seal the 3-1 win for the Ice Bats. It was Cook's 26th of the year.

The Bats victory coupled with Amarillo's loss puts Austin in sole possession of the fifth and final playoff spot in the Southern Conference with 12 games left in the regular season. The Ice Bats surpassed their goal of raising $6000 dollars for the Komen Foundation, which means forward Dan Veenema will shave his head. When and where has yet to be determined, but check icebats.com for an announcement. The Ice Bats will stay home this week and prepare to host the Amarillo Gorillas on Friday at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM. Along with Corpus, the Gorillas are the other team vying for the final playoff spot in Southern Conference which makes Friday's game as crucial as tonight's contest. Tickets are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 22, 2008
Killer Bees Cook's Hat Trick Power Bats to 5-3 Win

(Hidalgo, TX) - Friday night was game two of the Bats/Bees home-and-home series. Austin won the first game, 5-1, Thursday night at Chaparral Ice Arena and was looking for the sweep in Hidalgo, TX at Dodge Arena. Playoff contention was also on the mind of the Ice Bats as they trailed Amarillo by a point for the final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference entering Friday's game.

In the first period each team had early 5-on-3 power plays, but the Ice Bats were the ones who capitalized. Brendan Cook banged home a rebound after Darryl McArthur's shot from the point to give the Bats a 1-0 lead. It was Cook's 23rd goal of the season. McArthur and RG Flath had the assists. Rio Grande had a chance in the final minute to tie the game, but Bats goalie, Doug Groenestege, stopped a breakaway attempt by Mark O'Leary to keep the Bats lead, 1-0, heading into the break.

Each team's defense went to sleep in the second period as seven goals were scored between the Bees and Bats. Rob Voltera tied the game up at 1-1 with a shorthanded goal just 19 seconds after the puck was dropped. Danny Lapointe made it a 2-1, Rio Grande lead when he scored on assists from Jason Slusher and Robin Big Snake. Austin would answer back with three quick goals. First, Cook scored his second of the game on assists from Ted Vandermeer and Mike Bartlett. Next, Bartlett would add a goal of his own with helpers from Cook and Vandermeer. Then, Stuart Kerr, made it a 4-2 lead with his first goal of the season. McArthur and Flath added the helpers. Josh Garbutt pulled the Bees within one on a power play goal.

22 seconds after Garbutt's goal, Brendan Cook put an exclamation point on the night scoring his third goal of the game to complete the hat trick, the first hat trick this year by an Ice Bats player. Vandermeer and Bartlett added the assists, and the second period would end with the Bats leading, 5-3.

It was scoreless third period between the two teams, making the final score, 5-3, Ice Bats.

Next up for the Bats is a Saturday night home game vs. division rival Corpus Christi. Its Susan G. Komen night on Saturday as the Ice Bats will wear pink jerseys in support of the Komen Foundation. The puck drops at 7:35 PM and tickets are available by calling 512-927-7825.

February 22, 2008
Ice Bats Go Back To School in February

(Austin, TX) - During the month of February members of the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats made three school appearances to spend time with kids, teaching them about the game of hockey, and the importance of reading as well.

On February 5th defensemen John Neal and Aaron Wilson headed to Anderson Mill Elementary to play hockey with the ASPIRE after-school program. Neal and Wilson held a small session explaining some of the rules of hockey and they played floor hockey with a group of kids ranging from 7-12 year old children.

The next day, Bats' forwards Brendan Cook and RG Flath appeared at Wells Branch Elementary to read stories to Kindergarten, first, and second grade children. Both players also answered questions the kids had regarding hockey, explained the importance of reading to the children, and also spent some time playing with a physical education class.

February 20th, Flath was back at it again reading to children at Copperfield Elementary. Flath entertained first, fourth, and fifth graders by reading stories, answering questions, signing autographs, and posing for pictures.

Neal summed up all three Bats appearances by saying, "It's always good to get out in the community and spend some time with kids, have a little fun."

It's been a busy month for the Bats giving back. Along with the school appearances the team is trying to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation at their February 23rd game vs. Corpus Christi. The Ice Bats are wearing pink jerseys and using pink hockey sticks that will be for sale, with the proceeds going to Komen. Forward Dan Veenema will shave his head if the team reaches its $6000 goal.

February 21, 2008
Killer Bees Ice Bats Squash the Bees, 5-1

(Austin, TX) - After suffering from a three game sweep last weekend, the Ice Bats entered Chaparral Ice Arena on Thursday looking to get their playoff push back on track against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, a team that contributed to that three game sweep defeating the Bats, 5-2, last Friday. This time it was Austin getting offensive with the Bees, banging home five goals in the 5-1 win. The Bats kept pace in the playoff carousel passing Corpus Christi for sixth and pulling within one point of Amarillo for the final postseason spot in the CHL's Southern Conference.

Austin got on the board first when RG Flath slipped a wrist shot past Bees goalie, David Lemanowicz, for his 11th goal of the season. John Ronan assisted Flath's goal, which came from inside the right circle. 1-0, Ice Bats. The offensive pressure continued when Jason Tessier's shot from the point was deflected in by Brendan Cook. It was Cook's team-leading 21st goal this season on Tessier's helper, Mike Bartlett added an assist as well. The Bats led 2-0 with a little over four minutes to play in period one, and that's how things stood as both teams entered the locker room.

The Bats picked up right where they left off in the second period. After missing last weekend's games, Ted Vandermeer made his presence known by returning to the lineup and scoring his 13th goal of the season, banging home a rebound. Tessier and Bartlett added the helpers to make it 3-0, Ice Bats. The Bees finally made their way to the scoresheet on a goal from Danny Lapointe. Robin Big Snake and Josh Garbutt had the assists. 21 seconds later the Bats would answer back on Cook's second goal of the game, his 22nd of the season, to make it 4-1, Ice Bats. Aaron Wilson and Geoff Patton assisted on the goal, which caused Rio Grande to change goalies sending in AJ Bucchino in place of the starter, Lemanowicz, but it wouldn't make things any better. The Ice Bats continued to attack the offensive zone as Kurtis Kisio made the score 5-1 on a pass from Wilson. It was Kisio's seventh of the year. The Ice Bats headed into the second intermission leading by four.

The third period was scoreless between the two teams as the Bats skated away with a 5-1 victory.

The Bats head to Hidalgo, TX on Friday for game two of their home-and-home series against the Killer Bees. The puck drops at 7:35 PM and can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

February 21, 2008
Gorillas Ice Bats Owner Joins Amarillo Ownership Group

(Austin, TX) - The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced that the team's Owner and President, Randy Sanders, has also purchased a partial ownership stake in the CHL Amarillo Gorillas. Although Sanders will be part of a nine-person ownership group in Amarillo, his addition is expected to stabilize that franchise in the Texas Panhandle.

"Like the Ice Bats, I believe that the Amarillo franchise has great potential for success," Sanders said. "They gave me an opportunity to invest in the team, and I jumped at it. All the ingredients are there. It's a loyal city with good facilities, and I hope to keep hockey in Amarillo for a long time."

Sanders, who joined the Ice Bats as a partial owner in 2006, took over sole ownership of the team just prior to the current season. He said his investment in Amarillo will have no bearing on his plans for sustaining pro hockey in Austin.

"They're two separate business opportunities," Sanders said. "Each has its strengths and its weaknesses. I am still in the process of sorting through multiple options for building a new facility for the Ice Bats, and I am committed to continue playing in the Austin area for years to come."

The Ice Bats continue their playoff drive with home games Thursday and Saturday nights at Chaparral Ice Arena. Game time is 7:35 both nights.

Saturday, the Ice Bats will host "Komen Night," as they face the Corpus Christi Rayz. Ice Bats players will wear special pink ribbon jerseys throughout the game, and will use pink hockey sticks during pregame warm-ups. Both items are currently on sale, with proceeds to go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in the battle against breast cancer. A portion of gate ticket proceeds will also go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation Austin affiliate. For more information, or to make a purchase, call 512-927-PUCK.

February 20, 2008
Ice Bats Battle Cancer, Playoff Fate, and Possible Baldness This Weekend; Veenema Will Shave Head If Charitable Goal Is Reached

(Austin, TX) - The Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats kick off a three game weekend with a home-and-home series against Rio Grande Valley, plus a home contest against Corpus Christi on Saturday night.

Thursday the Ice Bats will host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM. Austin is 3-2 vs. the Bees this season, and looking to avenge a 5-2 loss from their most recent meeting. Friday night the Bats take to the road for round two of their home-and-home series with Rio Grande. The game can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com. Pre-game coverage will start fifteen minutes before the 7:35 PM puck drop.

Saturday night will be a special event for the Ice Bats when the team battles their division rival, the Corpus Christi Rayz. Austin is currently one point behind Corpus in the Southern Conference standings and three points out the final playoff spot. "Intense" and "competitive" has been the only way to describe the Bays/Rayz series this season. Austin currently holds a 4-3 season record over Corpus. Five of the games have been decided by just a goal, and three needed a shootout to find a winner.

The Bats will also battle cancer on Saturday when they wear pink jerseys, and use pink hockey sticks, to support the Susan G. Komen foundation. The Bats jerseys and sticks are available for purchase, based on availability, and a portion of gate ticket proceeds will also be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation Austin Affiliate.

In an effort to help raise money and awareness, Ice Bats forward Dan Veenema has promised to shave his head if the team meets its goal of $6,000 in proceeds from the event. Veenema's brother is a cancer survivor, giving him a personal connection to Saturday night's fundraiser.

Playoff implications, pink jerseys, and a charitable cause are all on display during Saturday's game. Tickets are still available for both home games starting at just $9 by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 19, 2008
Ice Bats Named CHL Performance of the Week

(League Release) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today that the Austin Ice Bats three-game sweep of the Southern Conference leading Laredo Bucks has been voted by the fans as the Performance of the Week for the week of February 4th. The wins happened on February 8th, 9th and 10th and vaulted the Ice Bats into the fifth and final Southern Conference playoff spot (now currently held by Amarillo).

Austin won Friday's game 5-2, Saturday's game 4-1 and Sunday's contest in a shootout, 4-3. Brendan Cook led the way in the three victories with four goals and three assists and goaltender Miguel Beaudry won all three games allowing six goals.

Austin received nearly half of the 1062 votes with 521 ballots cast in their favor (49%). They finished almost 300 votes higher than the second place finisher, the Texas Brahmas who ended the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 24-game point streak on February 9th. Austin's three-game sweep will be automatically considered for the 2007-08 CHL Performance of the Year which will be announced in April 2008.

The Ice Bats are 19-29-1 on the season.

Fans can vote for their choice as the CHL Performance of the Week at www.centralhockeyleague.com.

February 18, 2008
Ice Bats "Komen Night" on Saturday with the Bats

(Austin, TX) - This Saturday, not only will the Bats be battling for their playoff lives, but they'll also be battling cancer when they team up with Susan G. Komen for "Komen Night" against the Corpus Christi Rayz.

The puck drops at 7:35 PM to start the action at Chaparral Ice Arena between the Bats and Rayz. During pre-game warm-ups the Ice Bats will use pink sticks that are available for purchase for $150. Each stick purchased will have a plaque attached with the name of the buyer in appreciation for their support.

During the game, the Bats will wear pink jerseys in support of the Komen Foundation. Those jerseys are available for $600, and requests for specific player jerseys can be made based on availability.

A stick and jersey can be purchased together for $750, but as an added bonus 10 free tickets to Saturday's "Komen Night" game will be included in the package.

Proceeds from the stick and jersey sales will benefit the Susan G. Komen foundation. Both items are selling quickly!

After Saturday's game, there will be a post-game party at Wings 'n More to present the sticks and jerseys to their respected buyers. Players will be on hand to sign autographs and visit with fans. If there are any remaining sticks or jerseys, there will be an auction to raise even more funds for Susan G. Komen. The whole event is in support of the Komen Foundation's battle against breast cancer.

For more information, or to make a purchase, call 512-927-7825.

February 17, 2008
Mudbugs Bossier Bugs The Bats, 3-1

(Bossier City, LA) - Sunday afternoon was the second part of the weekend's home-and-home series between the Ice Bats and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Bossier won the first game in Austin, 3-0, Saturday night. The Bats took to the road for game two, but it was a case of déjà vu as a late third period goal would sink the Bats. 3-1 was the final score in favor of the Mudbugs.

The Mudbugs controlled the play in the first period, and were able to bang home the only goal of the opening frame when Elias Godoy scored his 15th goal of the year. Kevin Cooper and Mike Falk had the assists. At the end of the first, it was 1-0, Mudbugs.

Just like their Saturday night contest, offense was at a premium through the first two periods between the Bats and Mudbugs. No one found the back of the net in the second period keeping the score 1-0 in favor of Bossier heading into the break.

In the third, Kevin Cooper made it a 2-0 lead for Bossier banging home a goal on an Ice Bats turnover. Kurtis Kisio would give the Bats a chance scoring his sixth goal of the season on assists from Zech Klann and Brendan Cook. Kisio's goal ended a 168:14 scoring drought against the Mudbugs this season for the Ice Bats. Unfortunately, Chris Brassard ripped a one timer off a face off to make the score 3-1, Mudbugs. Brett Smith was credited with the assist, and that is how the game would end. The Mudbugs sweep the season series against the Bats with a 3-1 win.

Next up for the Bats is a Thursday home game against Rio Grande Valley on Thursday. The Bats will try to avenge their 5-2 loss from their last meeting with the Killer Bees when the puck drops at 7:35 PM at Chaparral Ice Arena. Tickets start at just $9 by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 16, 2008
Mudbugs Mudbugs Shutout Bats, 3-0

(Austin, TX) - After being stunned by Rio Grande on Friday night, the Ice Bats welcomed the league's top team, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs, to Chaparral Ice Arena on Saturday. The Bats needed to bring their A-game against the top ranked Mudbugs, and played very well, but could not get the job done against Bossier. 3-0 was the final score.

It was a scoreless first period between the two clubs, but the Mudbugs outshot the Bats 14-6 in the opening frame.

In the second period the Mudbugs broke the scoreless tie on a goal from Tyrel Lucas. Ryan Fairbarn and Daniel Pegoraro added the assists. That was the only goal of the second frame. The Mudbugs led 1-0 at the end of two.

In the third both teams went back and forth, but a late power play goal by the Mudbugs shut the door on Austin. Joe Ori made the score 2-0. Kevin Cooper added an empty net goal with under a minute to go to make the final score 3-0, Mudbugs.

Next up the Bats head to Bossier-Shreveport for a Sunday matinee against the Mudbugs. The puck drops at 4:00 PM and the game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

February 15, 2008
Killer Bees Ice Bats Stung by Rio Grande, 5-2

(Austin, TX) - Trailing Amarillo by one point for the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference, the Ice Bats played what was the first of their remaining eight games against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees Friday night at Chaparral Ice Arena. Rio Grande came in ready to play and earned their third road win of the season with a 5-2 victory over the Bats.

Each team traded a goal in the first period with Rio Grande scoring first from Mike Tuomi. Nick Warriner and Jason Slusher had the assists. Then for the Ice Bats, John Ronan tied the game up on a power play with his 13th goal of the year. Jason Tessier was the lone assist man on Ronan's goal. It was a 1-1 tie at the end of the first period.

Rio Grande Valley took control in the second period with two goals. Lance Herauf scored on a wrist shot from the top of the right circle to make it a 2-1 Rio Grande Valley lead. Then with less than a minute remaining in the second, Dennis Maxwell extended the Killer Bees' lead to 3-1 with a goal on a helper from Jason Weitzel.

Rio Grande added another goal early in the third period on a goal from Danny Lapointe to go up 4-1. Austin would try to make a game out of it when Mike Bartlett scored his 16th goal of the season on an assist from Brendan Cook to make the score 4-2, but Travis Banga added an empty net goal to make the final score 5-2, Killer Bees.

The Ice Bats will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs Saturday night at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM. The Mudbugs currently sport the best record in the Central Hockey League. Tickets are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 14, 2008
Ice Bats Celebrate "Hockey Weekend Across America"

(Austin, TX) - In conjunction with USA Hockey, the Austin Ice Bats are celebrating "Hockey Weekend Across America" at their Friday and Saturday games. On Tuesday, Ice Bats players appeared at Chaparral Ice Arena and Northcross Mall running clinics to educate people on hockey.

Friday is "Wear Your Jersey to Work or School Day", plus members of the Austin Roadrunner Hockey Program will receive a $5 discount on their ticket purchase when the Ice Bats host Rio Grande Valley at 7:35 PM at Chaparral Ice Arena.

Saturday, Austin Roadrunner members will receive the same discount, but Austin's Sled Hockey Team will also be competing during the intermission of the Bats' game vs. Bossier-Shreveport at 7:35 PM at Chaparral Ice Arena.

For more information call the Ice Bats at 927-7825, and help the Ice Bats celebrate "Hockey Weekend Across America".

February 11, 2008
Ice Bats Bats Control Destiny After Incredible Turnaround: Remaining 18 Games Will Be Crucial

(Austin, TX) - Just when you thought the Ice Bats magical run for the playoffs would come to a screeching halt, the Laredo Bucks came to town.

The Ice Bats won 9 of 11 games in January and were flying up the CHL's Southern Conference Standings trying to catch Corpus Christi for the fifth and final playoff spot. Then the Bats traveled to New Mexico to begin February with two games against the Scorpions lost both games by a goal to drop back four points from playoff contention with a three game series against the first place Laredo Bucks looming.

Austin entered the weekend with a 1-4 season record vs. the Bucks. Despite Laredo's second best record in the league, and the top spot in the Southern Conference, the Bats steamrolled Laredo in the first two games, then swept the weekend series with a shootout victory on Sunday. After winning seven of their first 30 games this season, Austin has won 12 of the last 16.

The Ice Bats have now slid past Corpus Christi and Amarillo to fifth place in the conference with 18 games left to play. The top five teams will qualify for the CHL playoffs.

Goaltender Miguel Beaudry played all three games and fueled the Bats momentum stopping 108 of 114 shots in the series for a .947 Save Percentage. Beaudry also recorded a 1.94 Goals Against Avg.

Forward Brendan Cook has been the offensive sparkplug for the Ice Bats all season and continued his fine play. Cook scored four goals and recorded three assists in the Ice Bats' three wins. "Cookie" leads the Bats in goals (20), points (42), and is tied for the team lead with assists (22). Defenseman Jason Tessier is the other assist leader. Rookie Mike Bartlett continues to turn heads with 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists) in the last 10 games, leading the team.

Of the 18 games remaining in the Ice Bats' season, three of the games are against Corpus Christi and two are against Amarillo...the other two teams vying for that fifth and final playoff spot in the Southern Conference. Eight of the games will be played against Rio Grande Valley, a team the Bats are 3-1 against this year. Rio Grande has been in a freefall since January 5th, losing 14 of their last 15 games. The chance to pick up points and make up ground is there for the Bats' taking. 10 of their 18 games will be played on their home ice at Chaparral Ice Arena.

The Austin Ice Bats have not made the CHL playoffs in four years...the last time Brent Hughes was the team's head coach for a full season. "Hughesy" returned this year and now has his team in control of their own destiny.

February 10, 2008
Bucks Ice Bats Sweep Their Way into Playoff Contention

(Laredo, TX) - Sunday at the Laredo Entertainment Center was the third and final installment of the Bats/Bucks weekend series. Austin took the first two games and was looking for the sweep over the Bucks as well as their fourth straight win against Laredo. It was a gritty back and forth game that needed a shootout to decide the victor. The Bats edged Laredo 2-1 in the shootout round to pull out the 4-3 victory over the Bucks.

Unlike the two previous games, there was scoring in the first period between the Bats and Bucks as Mike Bartlett scored his 13th of the season. Brendan Cook added the assist, and the Bats entered the locker room at the end of the first with a 1-0 lead.

Tensions were increased in the second period as 10 penalties were handed out between the two teams. Cook put the Bats up 2-0 with his 20th goal of the season. Bartlett and RG Flath had the assists. Later in the second, Laredo would get on the board during a 5-on-3 power play. Jeff Bes went top shelf to cut the Bats lead to 2-1 as both teams headed into the second intermission.

Laredo tied the game up in the third with Jeff Bes' second goal of the game. Kurtis Kisio would then put the Bats back on top with his fifth goal of the season and a Dan Veenema assist. Next, Adam Rivet tied the game at 3-3 on a shorthanded goal. The third ended in a 3-3 tie, and neither team could score in overtime so the Bats and Bucks went to a shootout.

In the shootout RG Flath and John Neal scored for the Ice Bats, Chris Korchinski for Laredo, and the Ice Bats escaped Laredo with a 4-3 win. The Bats also sweep the weekend series and leap-frog Corpus Christi and Amarillo into the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference.

Next up for the Bats is a Friday home contest against Rio Grande Valley at Chaparral Ice Arena. The puck drops at 7:30 PM. Tickets are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 9, 2008
Bucks Bats Buck Laredo, 4-1

(Austin, TX) - Coming off a four goal third period in Friday night's win over Laredo, the Ice Bats used the second period to jump on the Bucks in game two of their weekend series. Three second period goals powered the Bats to a 4-1 final score at Chaparral Ice Arena on Saturday night.

It was a scoreless first period, but a physical one, as both teams tried to set the tempo early. It was a 0-0 game heading into the first intermission.

In the second the Bats blasted their way onto the scoreboard with a three goal outburst. RG Flath got things started with his 10th of the season. Brendan Cook and John Neal had the assists. Next it was Zech Klann to put the Bats up 2-0 with helpers from John Ronan and Taylor Raszka. Finally, Brendan Cook closed the second period scoring with his team leading, 19th of the season. Jason Tessier and John Ronan had the assists. At the end of two, it was 3-0, Ice Bats.

Each team added a goal in the third. Steve Simoes put Laredo on the board with an unassisted goal. Mike Bartlett tacked on an empty net goal for the Bats to make the final score 4-1.

Next up, the Bats head to Laredo for their third game of the weekend against the Bucks. The puck drops at 4:00 PM and the game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

February 8, 2008
Bucks Ice Bats Save the Best for Last, Win 5-2

(Austin, TX) - The Bats entered their Friday night contest against the Laredo Bucks just five points out of a playoff spot. Austin was 1-4 against the Bucks entering their weekend series, with the Bats only win coming in their most recent meeting. Austin saved their best for last as four third period goals propelled the Bats to a 5-2 win and pulled Austin within three points of the playoffs.

Laredo scored the only goal of the first period on a shorthanded tally by Rane Carnegie. Chris Korchinski had the assist. At the end of the first it was 1-0, Laredo.

The rivalry continued between Laredo and Austin in the second period with four fighting majors being handed out to each team. The Bats tied the game up on a power play goal from Brendan Cook. It was Cook's 17th of the year. Laredo would head into the second intermission with a one goal lead however thanks to Matt Summers. Gord Burnett and Jef Bes assisted on the Summers goal. At the end of two it was 2-1, Laredo.

The third period belonged to Austin, who exploded for four third period goals. Brendan Cook notched his second of the game with assists from Mike Barlett and Jason Tessier. Bartlett then added one of his own on helpers from Cook and John Neal. Next it was John Ronan who scored as Taylor Raszka and Stuart Kerr recorded assists. Finally, Dan Veenema banged home an unassisted goal to make the final score 5-2.

The Bats and Bucks return to Chaparral Ice Arena on Saturday for a 7:35 PM puck drop. Tickets are available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 6, 2008
Buck Filled Weekend for Ice Bats

(Austin, TX) - The Ice Bats' quest to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in four years will get a little tougher this weekend with three games against the first place Laredo Bucks. Austin will host Laredo on Friday and Saturday at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM then travel to Laredo on Sunday for a 4:00 PM matinee.

The Bats are 1-4 vs. Laredo this season, with their lone victory coming in their last game on January 19th. The Bats won 3-2. Laredo currently has the best record in the CHL's Southern Conference and a 25 point lead in the division. The Ice Bats meanwhile have a 16-26-1 (33 points) record on the year and are still chasing Corpus Christi for the fifth and final playoff spot on the Southern Conference. The Bats trail by just four points, making each game down the stretch critical for the Bats.

Currently Brendan Cook is leading the Ice Bats in scoring with 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists). Bats goalies Miguel Beaudry and Doug Groenestege have been the team's defensive backbone allowing more than two goals in a game just once in their last nine home contests.

Tickets start at just $9 by calling 927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

February 2, 2008
Scorpions Ice Bats Stung Once Again, 4-3

(Rio Rancho, NM) - After just one goal was scored total in the Bats 1-0 loss to New Mexico on Friday, the offense for both teams woke up in their Saturday night contest. Despite the increased offense, the Bats found themselves on the wrong side of a one goal score for the second straight night. New Mexico topped the Bats 4-3.

The game looked like it was going to be an ugly one when the Scorpions jumped out to 3-0 lead. Aaron MacInnis, Ross McCain, and Konrad Reeder each scored goals for the Scorpions. Finally the Ice Bats caught a couple breaks on New Mexico turnovers which allowed Jamie Thompson to score his 12th goal of the season. Then with :36 remaining in the period, John Neal ripped a slap shot from the center ice circle to dump the puck into the New Mexico zone. Instead his shot caught Scorpion goaltender, Mike Minard, off guard and scored from center ice to make it a 3-2 deficit for the Bats. The Bats might have caught a break when New Mexico argued that the Ice Bats were offsides on Neal's shot. At the end of the first it was 3-2, Scorpions.

In the second period the Bats were awarded with a 5-on-3 power play and capitalized to tie the game at 3-3. Darryl McArthur scored his fourth goal of the season with helpers from Jason Tessier and John Ronan. But New Mexico would regain the momentum on a shorthanded goal by Chris Robertson less than a minute later. It was an unassisted goal. The Bats nearly tied the game in the closing seconds, but McArthur was robbed on a wide open net when Minard made a diving save to keep the 4-3 lead for the Scorpions at the end of the second period.

The Bats had a couple power play opportunities in the third period, and once again pulled the goalie in the closing seconds as a last gasp effort. But just like Friday night, New Mexico was able to withstand the Bats attack for a second straight night. The final was 4-3, New Mexico.

The Ice Bats return home to host the Laredo Bucks in a weekend series at Chaparral Ice Arena. The puck drops at 7:35 PM on both nights.

February 1, 2008
Scorpions Bats Lose Nail Biter 1-0, Four Points Back of Playoffs

(Rio Rancho, NM) - With Corpus Christi and Amarillo both winning their Friday night games, the Bats headed into the Santa Ana Star Center needing to beat the New Mexico Scorpions for the second time this year in order to keep pace for the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference. Austin had their opportunities to bang home goals, but just could not find the net. New Mexico handed Austin a 1-0 shutout loss.

Despite a couple power play opportunities, neither team could find the back of the net in the first period. The game was tied 0-0 heading into the second.

The second frame was more of the same as both teams went back and forth. New Mexico did get themselves on the board thanks to a goal from Kevin Harvey. Chris Robertson and Craig Macdonald had the assists. At the end of two periods, the Scorpions led, 1-0.

The Ice Bats had a couple scoring opportunities in the third period and pulled the goalie towards the end of the game as a last gasp. But New Mexico was able to hang on for the 1-0 final score. Austin falls back to four points out of the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference, trailing Corpus Christi.

The Ice Bats return to the Santa Ana Star Center on Saturday to close out this weekend series against the Scorpions. The puck drops at 8:15 PM locally, and can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

best viewed with 800x600 resolution or better, IE 5.5 or better

Website designed by: Website Outfitters.

Photos provided by: Lauren Gilgan.