Austin Ice Bats

May 6, 2008
Ice Bats Empty Cave

Well it has finally come true the Austin Ice Bats are without a home (at this time). The Ice Bats will no longer play professional hockey at Chaparral Ice Arena. It is not financially feasible for the Ice Bats to continue playing in Chaparral Ice even though they have been a great supporter of our team. The Ice Bats organization wishes Chaparral Ice the best in the effort to provide family fun to the Austin Area.

The Bats are in search of a new cave. We are currently looking for an acceptable location in the Austin area but will investigate relocating the team outside of this area if needed. The Ice Bats have enjoyed a twelve year relationship with the Austin community and would love to stay in the area.

The Ice Bats are forced to make this move due to several reasons which include the decision of Cedar Park to bring in the Stars AHL team; the economic impact of playing at a small venue like Chaparral Ice and the inability of our team to attract the Austin community to attend our games. All of the above issues could easily be resolved by securing a new venue of the right size to play professional hockey in.

We as a team want to thank the great fans and the community of Austin for their support and hope to see them again at an ICE BATS HOCKEY GAME in the very near future.

March 27, 2008
Jackalopes Bats Season Ends with 1-0 Loss to Odessa

(Odessa, TX) - After the Ice Bats thrilling overtime victory Wednesday night in Austin, combined with an overnight bus ride for both Austin and Odessa, the question heading into Thursday night's decisive game three was how much did each team have left in the tank. The Central Hockey League's opening round series between Austin and the Odessa Jackalopes was tied 1-1, setting up Thursday night's game three. The winner would head to Laredo to take on the top seeded Bucks in round two, while the loser would head home and begin their offseason. It was a classic battle back and forth with physical play and scoring opportunites for each team. But Dominic Leveille scored the only goal of the game in the third period to give Odessa the 1-0 win, knocking the Ice Bats out of the playoffs by winning the series 2-1.

It was a scoreless first period, but Odessa tried to set the tone physically over Austin. Each team had a power play, but could not find the net. Shots on goal in the first period favored Odessa 13-7, but both teams skated to the locker room in a 0-0 tie.

Neither team could score in the second period, but it was one for the ages with the penalties that were handed out. Emotions finally spilled over with about seven minutes remaining as a full line brawl broke out between the Bats and Jacks. After the assorted roughing and fighting penalties were handed out play resumed, Jason Tessier and Brian Swiniarski got into a fight which resulted in more penalties for each team. Then towards the end of the period pushing and shoving turned into Odessa's Ryan Palmer taking a shot at Miguel Beaudry and drawing another penalty. In total, 19 penalites were handed out to both Odessa and Austin in the final 7:36 of the second period. Fighting, Roughing, and Unsportsmanlike Conduct were the assorted penalties that were handed out. At one point both teams only had five players, including the backup goalie, left on their benches. It remained tied, 0-0, after the second period.

Dominic Leveille scored a power play goal three minutes into the third period on a cross ice pass from Alex Dunn to beat Miguel Beaudry and give Odessa a 1-0 lead. It was Leveille's third playoff goal. The Bats were unable to take advantage of a couple power play opportunities as time expired on the third period, and the Ice Bats season. Odessa knocks the Bats out of the CHL Playoffs by a 1-0 final, winning the series 2-1.

The Ice Bats organization will hold a season-ending party for their fans and players. Check out icebats.com or call 512-927-7825 for more information.

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.

March 27, 2008
2007-08 CHL Playoffs Miguel Beaudry Makes the Save, RG Flath Makes the Play...The Bats Will Play Another Day; Deciding Game Three Thursday Night, 7:05 PM, in Odessa

(Odessa, TX) - While the Bats 22-11-1 record since January 1st is the focal point to the team's second half turn around and playoff birth, their 5-4 win on November 17th might have been what kept the last bit of hope alive that the team could turn their season around in the first place.

Austin hosted the Odessa Jackalopes at Chaparral Ice Arena looking to stop a losing streak that had reached seven games. As both teams traded goals, and the tension continued to rise in Chaparral, and it looked like the Bats were about to lose for the eighth straight time as the final minute ticked away on the third period with the Austin trailing 4-3. Refusing to go away quietly, Austin's Jamie Thompson scored the tying goal with eight seconds left in regulation. The Bats and Jacks skated through overtime and needed a shootout to decide the victor. At the end of the five rounds both teams had scored two shootout goals each and headed to sudden death. It took another eight rounds as both goalies dazzled the crowd with save after save until the Bats Jason Tessier scored his second goal of the shootout to seal the impressive win for Austin.

Wednesday night at Chaparral Ice Arena, the Bats and Jackalopes dropped the puck again in game two of their opening round playoff series with the Ice Bats down 1-0 and needing a victory to keep their season alive. The Bats came flying out of the gate with physical play and found the scoreboard first when Brendan Cook scored his first goal of the playoffs. Odessa tied the game at 1-1 just before the end of the first period. Both teams traded goals in the second as well with the Jacks jumping up 2-1 before Mike Bartlett setup Ted Vandermeer on a two-on-one to tie the game at 2-2. The third period was down to the wire, but it was going to be overtime where one team would pull out the win. 2:10 into the first overtime John Ronan found RG Flath all alone in front of the Jacks net to tap home the game winner. The Bats completed what turned out to be their most emotional victory of the season thus far…and it was over the Odessa Jackalopes again.

Now the teams will play a decisive game three Thursday in Odessa.

The Ice Bats have not won a game in the Ector County Coliseum this year. Their most recent defeat was their 4-1, game one loss on Monday. Both teams have to travel overnight from Austin for Thursday's game. The winner of game three will advance to the Conference Semifinals (second round) to face top seeded Laredo. If Austin can advance they will play game one on Saturday, March 29th.

March 26, 2008
Jackalopes Bats Fly to Odessa Tied 1-1 after Overtime Win!

(Austin, TX) - The theme of Wednesday night's game two contest between the Austin Ice Bats and the Odessa Jackalopes was anticipation. Austin was anticipating its first home playoff game in five years. The Ice Bats were anticipating a recovery from their game one loss. Odessa was anticipating a second round birth by eliminating the Bats in two games. And everyone was anticipating a heavy-hitting contest between two teams that developed some bad blood in game one. It took overtime to decide the winner and the Bats' RG Flath snuck home the winning goal.

In the first period, the Ice Bats came out flying and as a result found the scoresheet first. Brendan Cook scored his first goal of the playoffs from in front of the net on assists by Mike Bartlett and Jason Tessier. With 22 seconds left in the first, Odessa tied the game at 1-1 on a power play goal by Collin Circelli. Olivier Proulx and Mario Joly had the assists. The first period ended with that 1-1 tie.

In the second period the Jackalopes took a 2-1 lead when Nathan Ward flipped Kevin Richardson's cross-ice pass top shelf. Joly was credited with the second assist on the goal. The Bats tied it up on the power play when Ted Vandermeer scored his first playoff goal on a two on one with Mike Bartlett. Bartlett made a move around Jacks goalie Alexandre Vincent and slid the puck onto Vandermeer's stick, who tapped it in to make it a 2-2 score. Brendan Cook also added an assist. Both teams skated into the third period knotted up at two.

In the third there was pushing and shoving after the whistle, along with unsportsmanlike conduct penalties issued throughout to both sides. Neither team could pull ahead so the winner would have to be decided in sudden death overtime.

In overtime RG Flath tipped in a centering effort from John Ronan to win the game and tie the series at one game apiece.

The deciding game three will be Thursday night in Odessa at 7:05 PM. The game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

March 24, 2008
Jackalopes Bats Lose Game One, 4-1

(Odessa, TX) - Monday marked the Bats first trip to the Central Hockey League Playoffs for the first time in five years as they kicked off their opening round series against the Odessa Jackalopes. Despite the Jacks losing eight of their last ten games, and the Bats winning five of six, Odessa controlled the play throughout and walked away with a 4-1 win thanks to two goals by Dominic Leveille.

It was physical play between both teams in the first period. Odessa had a couple power play opportunities and capitalized on one of them as Dominic Leveille deflected a shot from the point to make it a 1-0 score in favor of the Jackalopes. Josh Legge and Chris Brannen had the assists. The Bats only managed four shots in that first period, and trailed 1-0 heading into the break.

Both teams exchanged goals in the second period as Odessa made it a 2-0 lead when Dominic Leveille scored his second goal of the game on a redirection effort. Sebastien Thinel and Mario Joly had the assists on the power play tally. 34 seconds later the Bats put themselves on the board as Darryl McArthur scored his first playoff goal thanks to assists from Ted Vandermeer and Stuart Kerr. Odessa would make it a two goal lead however as Olivier Proulx beat Miguel Beaudry on a wrist shot from in front of the Bats' net. Mike MacDonald and Mario Joly had the assists. At the end of two periods, the Bats trailed by a 3-1 score.

In the third both teams went back and forth, but time continued to slip away on the Ice Bats. Austin pulled the goalie with a minute remaining but Mark Johnson scored an empty net goal make the score 4-1. Odessa wins game one of the three game series, as both teams head to Austin for game two.

Game two will be at Chaparral Ice Arena in Austin on Wednesday with a 7:35 PM puck drop. Tickets are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com. Game three, if necessary, will be back in Odessa on Thursday night at 7:05 PM.

March 23, 2008
2007-08 CHL Playoffs Bats in the Playoffs: Opening Round, #4 Odessa Jackalopes vs. #5 Austin Ice Bats

(Austin, TX) - Monday night at 7:05 PM, the Central Hockey League's Ray Miron President's Cup Playoffs will begin for the Austin Ice Bats, making their first appearance since 2003. Austin will play their opening round series against the Odessa Jackalopes. Game one will be played at Odessa's Ector County Coliseum, game two is at Chaparral Ice Arena on Wednesday, and (if necessary) game three will be back in Odessa on Thursday night.

Regular Season Comparison

The Ice Bats and Odessa met four times in the regular season with the Jackalopes winning three of those contests. Austin's only win over Odessa came on November 17th when the Bats won a 5-4 shootout marathon. Jamie Thompson tied the game for the Ice Bats at 4-4 with just eight seconds remaining in regulation. Ice Bats goalie, Miguel Beaudry, willed Austin to victory in a 13 round shootout as Jason Tessier scored the game winning goal. All three Bats losses came on Odessa's home ice, and Austin was outscored 16-8 this year by the Jackalopes.

Playoff Matchup

Game 1 - Monday 7:05 PM, Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX
Game 2 - Wednesday 7:35 PM, Chaparral Ice Arena, Austin, TX
Game 3 - Thursday 7:05 PM, Ector County Coliseum, Odessa, TX (If Necessary)

All season long the Odessa Jackalopes have been led by the "French Connection" of Dominic Leveille (Luh-VY-yay) and Sebastien Thinel (Tuh-NEL). Leveille and Thinel have combined for 164 points (66 goals, 98 assists) in 64 games this season. The "French Connection" welcomed a third member on January 10th, when Olivier Proulx (Prew) signed with the Jackalopes. In 27 games this year Proulx has scored 12 goals and 24 assists (36 points).

At the back end of the ice, Odessa is anchored by Rookie Of The Year finalist, Alexandre Vincent. Vincent made 39 appearances this season, earning 21 wins and compiling a 2.79 Goals Against Avg. He also stopped 92.1% of the shots he faced this season.

On December 31st the Austin Ice Bats had one of the worst records in the Central Hockey League at 7-22-1. Since January 1st, however, the Bats have been one of the CHL's best going 22-11-1 in 2008. The Bats offense has been highlighted by the play of rookies Mike Bartlett, Ted Vandermeer, and RG Flath. All three have scored a combined 133 points (56 goals, 77 assists) this year for Austin...which allowed Brendan Cook to put up career numbers leading the Ice Bats in goals (35) and points (64). Cook is only the second Ice Bats player to record a 30-goal season in the last five years.

Goaltending has been a constant for the Ice Bats all season long with the play of Miguel Beaudry. Despite not having the best numbers in the first 30 games this year, Beaudry's first half highlight was his heroic play in that 13-round shootout win over Odessa in November. Just like the Bats in the standings, Beaudry has surged up the CHL's Goaltending Leaders during the season's second half finishing the year with a 2.68 Goals Against Avg. (6th in CHL), 22 wins (6th in CHL), and a .920 Save Percentage (4th in CHL). Doug Groenestege has filled in nicely as well for the Bats with a 2.89 GAA and a .916 SV% in 16 appearances since joining Austin back in December.

Monday's game one can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com with pregame coverage beginning at 6:50 PM. Tickets for Wednesday's game two are available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com. If game three is needed it will be played Thursday in Odessa, and can be heard again on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

March 22, 2008
Brahmas Bats Roll into Playoffs with Win, Face New Mexico or Odessa on Monday

(Austin, TX) - Saturday night at Chaparral Ice Arena was Fan Appreciation Night for Ice Bats fans as Austin hosted the Texas Brahmas. Both teams were already qualified for the Central Hockey League Playoffs, but neither club let that reduce the in-state rivalry that's existed throughout this season. It was an intense atmosphere in the building as both teams were looking to build momentum entering their first round matchups. Two goals by Austin's RG Flath powered the Bats offense to a 4-1 win, with the first round of the CHL Playoffs up next.

In the first period neither team could find the back of net as the Bats and Brahmas skated into the break with a 0-0 tie.

In the second, Austin got on the board when Mike Bartlett slipped a wrist shot from the top of the left circle past Texas goalie, David Cacciola. Ted Vandermeer and Brendan Cook had the assists on Bartlett's 19th of the season. Seconds later Cook made the best of a breakaway situation, scoring his 35th goal of the season past the outstretched leg of Cacciola. Vandermeer and Geoff Patton added the helpers on Cook's goal. Texas would answer back as Scott Sheppard scored his 28th goal of the year on a Brahmas power play. Grant Jacobsen and Blair Manning were given the assists on the goal. RG Flath put the Bats back up by two with a shorthanded goal to give him 19 this season. Flath caused a turnover in the middle of the Brahma zone and then slid the puck between the legs of Cacciola to make it a 3-1 Austin lead.

Austin kept attacking in the third as Flath added his second goal of the game, and his 20th this year. John Ronan was the assist man for Flath as the Bats made it 4-1. That's how it would end between the Bats and Brahmas as Austin won their season finale.

The Ice Bats head to the road to begin their first playoff series in five years when they take on either New Mexico or Odessa. Game one will be on Monday night at 8:15 PM local time if it's in New Mexico, or it will be at 7:05 PM local time if it's in Odessa. The game can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com. Game two will be on Wednesday at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM. Tickets and updated information can be found at icebats.com or by calling 512-927-7825.

March 20, 2008
Gorillas Bats Fall to Amarillo 3-2, but Still Fifth Seed in Playoffs

(Amarillo, TX) - With Amarillo's Tuesday loss, the Ice Bats already clinched the final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference, so Thursday night's game against the Amarillo Gorillas had very little on the line. A couple Bats players stayed home from the trip to rest for round one of the CHL Playoffs, which begin on Monday. It was a slow game between both teams, as the Bats wanted to remain healthy for the first round of the CHL Playoffs, but Amarillo was one goal better by beating Austin, 3-2.

It was a slow start for both teams, and neither club put the puck in the net during the first period. The scored was tied, 0-0 heading into the first intermission.

Both teams found the scoresheet in the second period with Amarillo getting on the board first. Austin Sutter banged home a rebound for a power play goal to give the Gorillas a 1-0 lead. Bill Vandermeer and Trevor Read had the assists. The Bats would tie it up about three minutes later as Jamie Thompson roofed a backhand shot over the shoulder of Gorilla goalie, Dan McWhinney, for his 14th goal of the year. Amarillo would jump back on top however as Bill Vandermeer deflected a shot from the point into the net for his 33rd goal of the season. Trevor Read and Austin Sutter were the assist men on the goal. At the end of the second period, the Gorillas led by a 2-1 score.

Both teams traded goals in the third as Amarillo took a 3-1 lead when Matt Miller scored his 20th of the season. Marcus Reszka and Jason Chafe tallied the assists. The Bats would close the gap to one when Dan Veenema scored on a backhand shot in front of the goal for his 4th of the year. Kurtis Kisio and Darryl McArthur had the assists. That's as close as Austin would get as they fell, 3-2, to the Amarillo Gorillas. Fortunately, a loss does not affect the Bats playoff standings as they've clinched the fifth and final spot.

The Ice Bats return home for their regular season finale when they host the Texas Brahmas at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM. It will be Fan Appreciation Night with the Bats as various items, including this year's team photo, will be handed out. The President's Cup Playoffs begin on Monday for the Bats, when they travel to either New Mexico or Odessa for game 1. For tickets or more information call 512-927-927-7825 or visit icebats.com.

March 19, 2008
2007-08 CHL Playoffs MISSION ACCOMPLISHED...Ice Bats Are Playoff Bound; First Appearance Since '02-'03 Season

(Austin, TX) - Without ever dropping a puck, the Ice Bats punched their ticket to the Central Hockey League Playoffs on Tuesday night, thanks to a little help from the Odessa Jackalopes...

Austin currently holds a six point advantage over the Amarillo Gorillas for the final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference with 58 points on the season. Amarillo suffered a 5-4 shootout loss in Odessa Tuesday, leaving the Gorillas six points out with three games left in their regular season, and eliminated from the playoff chase because the Ice Bats win the tiebreaker of more wins this year.

The Bats' last playoff appearance was in 2003 when they lost to the Mississippi RiverKings, for the President's Cup Championship, in five games. That 2003 run happened to be the last year Brent Hughes was behind the bench as head coach of the Bats. After a four year hiatus, Hughes returned midway through last season to lead the Bats once again. Since joining the CHL in 2001, the Ice Bats have never played a postseason game without Hughes as the head coach.

Austin's opening round opponent will either be New Mexico or Odessa. The team won't find out until the end of the regular season this weekend. This season the Bats are a combined 2-7-0 against New Mexico and Odessa, but the team has been one of the league's hottest in 2008, going 22-10-1 since January 1st.

The Bats are on the road in Amarillo on Thursday then return home for their season finale against the Texas Brahmas at Chaparral Ice Arena on Saturday. Saturday's game is Fan Appreciation Night with the Bats, the puck drops at 7:35 PM.

March 18, 2008
Ice Bats Bats on the Brink of Playoff Berth; Austin One Point Away from Qualifying

(Austin, TX) - On Sunday the Ice Bats knocked Corpus Christi out of the playoff chase with a 3-2 win at Chaparral Ice Arena. Now with two games remaining in their regular season, the Bats are on the brink of earning a Central Hockey League playoff berth for the first time since 2003.

If the Amarillo Gorillas lose their game against the Odessa Jackalopes tonight or if the Bats at least lose in overtime/shootout to Amarillo on Thursday...Austin is in. The Ice Bats need an Amarillo loss, or one more point in the standings to clinch the final playoff spot.

It's been a remarkable year for the Austin Ice Bats. First, the team brought back Brent Hughes, who holds the most wins in franchise history, to coach the team. Next, Hughes compiled a team mostly of rookies and only four players leftover from last year's squad. The Bats began the year losing 13 of their first 15 games and hovered around the bottom of the league standings until January 1st going 7-22-1 in their first 30 games.

Then the Ice Bats heated up winning six straight and eight of nine, including a three game sweep of the first place, Laredo Bucks. The winning ways have continued for the Bats as the team is 22-10-1 since the start of 2008. The third best, 2008 record among CHL teams.

Offensively, Brendan Cook has carried the torch for Austin all year leading the team in goals (34) and points (62). At the other end, Miguel Beaudry has added to a sparkling career in goal for the Ice Bats setting career highs this year in appearances (42), wins (21), and goals against average (2.72). Beaudry's 16-5-1 record in 2008 has reflected the Ice Bats success overall.

It's been hard work and grit that has catapulted the Ice Bats into the playoff hunt with two games left in their season. The team has not clinched yet, but they control their own destiny and have the inside track on Amarillo.

Austin will play the Amarillo Gorillas on the road Thursday and then return home to Chaparral Ice Arena to host the Texas Brahmas in their season finale on Saturday. The puck will drop at 7:35 PM for Saturday's game, and it's also Fan Appreciation Night. Team Photos and other items will be given away as people come though the doors. For more information call 512-927-7825 or visit icebats.com.

March 17, 2008
Beaudry Ice Bats' Beaudry Named CHL's Goalie of the Week; League's Only Four-Time Winner This Season

(League Release) - The Central Hockey League announced today that the recipient for the Oakley CHL Goaltender of the Week for the period ending March 16th, 2008 is Ice Bats goaltender Miguel Beaudry of the Austin Ice Bats.

Beaudry wins the award for the fourth time this season after having a remarkable week that has put the Ice Bats on the brink of making the playoffs for the first time since the 2002-03 season (lost in the finals to Memphis). The Verner, Ontario native went 4-0 allowing just six goals, never more than two in a game. He stopped 109 shots on the week for a save percentage of .948. On the season, Beaudry is 21-18-1 with a 2.72 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. He has gone 16-5-1 with two shutouts in 2008 and has the Ice Bats just one point away from clinching a CHL Ray Miron President's Cup playoff berth.

March 16, 2008
Rayz Bats Power Play Ends Rayz' Playoff Hopes, 3-2

(Austin, TX) - After sweeping their three game road trip, the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats returned home to Chaparral Ice Arena to host the Corpus Christi Rayz looking to pick up their fourth win in as many games. Power play goals were the story of the game as the Ice Bats scored three of them, and then hung on a late charge to top the Rayz, 3-2.

The Ice Bats took advantage of their power play opportunities in the first period with John Ronan scoring a pair of power play goals to give him 19 on the year. RG Flath and Henry Kuster assisted on Ronan's first goal, then it was Flath and Jason Tessier on the second. Corpus outshot the Bats 10-9 in the first period, but the Bats skated into the first intermission with a 2-0 lead over the Rayz.

The Ice Bats extended their lead to 3-0 in the second period with another power play goal. Henry Kuster scored his 11th goal of the season banging home a rebound from a Darryl McArthur shot. McArthur and Tessier were credited with the assists. Ted Vandermer had a chance to score again for the Ice Bats on a penalty shot, but Rayz goalie, Jason Tapp, came up with the save. At the end of two periods, the Bats led 3-0.

Corpus came storming back in the third period with two quick goals in the first ninety seconds. Derek Smith and Chris Shaffer made the score 3-2, with the Bats still leading. Corpus pulled the goalie at the end of the third period to try and tie the game, but the Bats held on to seal the win. Austin has ended the Rayz chances of capturing the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference.

The Bats head back on the road on Thursday against the Amarillo Gorillas. The game be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com at 7:05 PM. The Ice Bats could potentially clinch the fifth and final playoff spot on Thursday depending on the outcome of Amarillo's Tuesday night contest. Austin has not reached the playoffs since 2003. The Bats return home on Saturday for their regular season finale against the Texas Brahmas at Chaparral Ice Arena at 7:35 PM.

March 15, 2008
Killer Bees Third Period Goals Power Ice Bats 4-2 Win

(Hidalgo, TX) - After the Ice Bats win on Friday night, paired with Amarillo's loss, Saturday night allowed an opportunity to continue their push for the playoffs against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at Dodge Arena. Three third period goals by the Bats proved to be the difference as Austin swept the two-game set in Rio Grande Valley.

Both teams exchanged goals in the first period as Rio got on the board first when Robin Big Snake banged home a rebound to make the score 1-0, Bees. Mike Tuomi and Danny Lapointe had the assists. The Bats would even things up on the power play when Mike Bartlett deflected a shot from Jason Tessier to beat Bees' goalie, David Lemanowicz (Luh-MAN-o-vich). Jamie Thompson also had an assist on Bartlett's 18th of the year. At the end of one, the game was tied 1-1.

The second period was back and forth as both teams had their chances but neither could convert until there was less than a second left in the period. Mike Tuomi scored a power play goal with a slap shot from the middle of the Bats zone with 0.4 seconds remaining in the period. Lapointe and Bernie Chmiel had the assists. Rio led the Ice Bats, 2-1, at the end of the second period.

The Bats remained relentless in the third period and it paid off. Darryl McArthur laced a wrist shot from the top of the left circle under the crossbar to tie the game up at 2-2. The power play goal was McArthur's fifth of the season, Ted Vandermeer and Bartlett had the assists. Next, the Bats caught a break as Brendan Cook threw the puck in front of the Bees' net and it deflected off a skate past Lemanowicz to make it a 3-2 Austin lead. The Killer Bees pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, but Cook made them pay by scoring an empty goal for his second of the game his 34th this season. The Bats come back to win, 4-2.

The Bats head home to Chaparral Ice Arena to host the Corpus Christi Rayz on Sunday at 4:05 PM. The Ice Bats will wear special St. Patrick's Day jerseys during the game. On Monday, the Ice Bats will auction off the jerseys at 8:00 PM at Roux on 6th St. between Brazos and San Jacinto. For tickets and more information call 512-927-7825 or visit icebats.com.

March 14, 2008
Killer Bees Ice Bats Stay in Final Playoff Spot with 4-1 Win

(Hidalgo, TX) - Recently things have not gone well for the Bats against Rio Grande Valley. The Bats have lost their last two games against the Killer Bees. Friday, Austin began a weekend pair against the Bees at Dodge Arena in Hidalgo, TX. The Bats entered the game just one point ahead of the Amarillo Gorillas for the fifth and final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference. Austin turned on the offense with two quick goals in the first period, and eventually pulled away to a 4-1 win.

The Ice Bats took control early as RG Flath scored his 17th goal of the season on the Bats first power play, less than three minutes into the game. John Ronan and Aaron Wilson assisted on Flath's goal, which made it 1-0, Ice Bats. Henry Kuster ended a 14 game scoreless streak next with his 10th of the year as he poked a centering pass between the legs of Killer Bee goaltender, David Lemanowicz (Le-MAN-o-vich). Ted Vandermeer and Mike Bartlett had the assists, as Austin skated into the break with a 2-0 lead.

The offense continued for the Ice Bats in period two as RG Flath scored on a breakaway for his second goal of the game. Mike Bartlett tallied the assist to make it 3-0, Ice Bats. Then on a power play John Ronan deflected a Jason Tessier shot for his 17th goal of the year to make the score 4-0, Ice Bats. John Neal also had an assist. Just before the period ended, the Bees got on the scoresheet as Josh Bonar deflected a shot from Rob Voltera to beat Bats' goalie, Miguel Beaudry. The second period ended with Austin leading Rio, 4-1.

The Ice Bats played keep away in the third period, so neither team scored, making the final score 4-1, Ice Bats. Austin improves to 19-10-1 in 2008.

The Bats return to Dodge Arena Saturday night for a rematch with the Killer Bees. The puck drops at 7:35 PM and can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin or espnaustin.com. Austin closes out their weekend with a Sunday home game against Corpus Christi. The Bats will wear green, St. Patrick's Day jerseys on Sunday.

March 12, 2008
Rayz Bats Top Corpus 4-1, Take Over Final Playoff Spot

(Corpus Christi, TX) - The Ice Bats began their three game road trip one point out of the final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference, behind Amarillo. Wednesday night at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, the Ice Bats were looking to rebound from back to back losses, against the division rival Rayz. Austin found their offense in the second and third periods, as they skated to a 4-1 win, and control of the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference.

It was a scoreless first period between both teams, as the Rayz and Bats had a couple power play chances but could not find the back of the net.

The Bats opened things up in the second period when Kurtis Kisio caused a turnover in the left corner and cut in front of the net to beat Rayz goalie, Jason Tapp, between the legs. 1-0, Ice Bats. Next, Brendan Cook extended the lead to 2-0, Bats when Ted Vandermeer found him all alone in front of the net for his 32nd goal this season. Mike Bartlett also tallied an assist on Cook's goal. That's how things stood as both teams skated into the break, 2-0, Ice Bats.

In the third, Zech Klann banged home a rebound goal to make it 3-0, Ice Bats, Dan Veenema and John Neal had the assists. With a power play towards the end of the game, the Rayz pulled the goalie for an extra attacker and the initial gamble paid off as Brent Howarth scored to make it a 3-1 Bats lead. Corpus elected to keep the goalie pulled, and RG Flath took advantage to score a shorthanded, empty net goal for his 16th of the year. That was final tally of the game, and the Bats were victorious, 4-1.

The road trip continues for the Ice Bats who travel to Hidalgo, Texas to take on Rio Grande Valley in a pair of weekend games starting Friday at 7:35 PM. The game can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

March 12, 2008
Ice Bats Pivotal Playoff Implications This Week for Bats; Two Games vs. Corpus Christi, One vs. Amarillo for Playoff Spot

(Austin, TX) - After losing two of their three games this past weekend the Ice Bats are one point back of the fifth and final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference. And the temperature is rising with six games left in the season, as Corpus Christi and Amarillo will look to make a move past the Bats this week.

Wednesday - Ice Bats @ Corpus Christi, 7:05 PM

Austin starts a three game road trip Wednesday night in Corpus Christi against the Rayz. Corpus is currently three points back of the Ice Bats for the final playoff spot. The Rayz are led by 20-goal scorers, Joe Blaznek and Justin Quenneville. Austin has won five of the eight meetings this season against their division rival in some of the most competitive games the Bats have played. Five of the eight games between the two teams have been decided by a goal, and three needed a shootout to decide a victor.

Friday - Ice Bats @ Rio Grande Valley, 7:35 PM
Saturday - Ice Bats @ Rio Grande Valley, 7:35 PM

After beginning the season with a 5-2 record against the Killer Bees, the Ice Bats have gone in a tailspin losing three straight to Rio Grande. The latest meeting may have been the hardest one to swallow, when Travis Banga won the game on a penalty shot in sudden death overtime. The Bats travel to Hidalgo, TX for a pair of weekend games. Brendan Cook has been a bright spot for the Bats scoring four goals and two assists in his last two games at Dodge Arena.

Sunday - Ice Bats vs. Corpus Christi, 4:05 PM, Chaparral Ice Arena

The final regular season meeting between the Ice Bats and the Rayz happens in Austin on Sunday. Depending on what happens with Amarillo during the week, Corpus Christi could potentially leap frog their way into the final playoff spot by winning Wednesday's game and Sunday's matinee.

The three-game road trip can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com. Tickets are still available for Sunday's game vs. the Rayz by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

March 9, 2008
Killer Bees Penalty Shot Stuns Ice Bats, 3-2

(Austin, TX) - Sunday was game two of the home-and-home series between the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats and Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. Rio Grande won the first game on Saturday night 5-3 in Hidalgo, TX. The Ice Bats entered Chaparral Ice Arena on Sunday looking to pick up a win and move two points ahead of Amarillo for the final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference. The game went into sudden death overtime, where Rio's Josh Bonar won the game on a penalty shot goal for a 3-2 final.

In the first, Rio Grande Valley picked up right where they left off in game one, when Josh Bonar put Rio Grande up 1-0 on an assist from Travis Banga. Rio Grande added another midway through to make it 2-0 when Jason Weitzel scored his seventh of the season from a Lance Herauf assist. The Bees nearly made it 3-0 when Bernie Chmiel hit the post, but instead the Bats skated into the first intermission, trailing 2-0 to Rio Grande.

In the second period, neither team could find the back of the net so both teams skated into the third period with Rio Grande still leading, 2-0.

In the third, the Bats finally found the scoresheet when Ted Vandermeer scored his 16th of the year on an assists from Mike Bartlett. Seconds later, RG Flath tied the game up at 2-2 with his 15th of the season. John Ronan and Henry Kuster had the assists. Neither team could bang home another, so both teams ventured into sudden death overtime at the end of regulation.

In overtime, Rio Grande Valley's Josh Bonar was awarded a penalty shot and scored to win the game for Rio Grande Valley, 3-2.

The Ice Bats now embark on a three game road trip. Things begin on Wednesday night when Austin visits Corpus Christi at the American Bank Center for a 7:05 PM puck drop. The game can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com. Corpus Christi is currently trailing the Ice Bats by only three points for the Southern Conference's final playoff spot, so Wednesday's game has playoff implications on the line between two bitter division rivals.

March 7, 2008
Blazers Ice Bats Stonewall the Blazers, 3-0

(Austin, TX) - With Amarillo winning on Thursday night, the Ice Bats entered Chaparral Ice Arena on Friday tied for the final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference. The visiting Oklahoma City Blazers defeated Austin in their first meeting of the season, 7-3, way back on October 31st of 2007. The Ice Bats earned sweet revenge though, as the Bats shutout Oklahoma City by a 3-0 tally.

The Ice Bats opened up the scoring in the first period with some tic-tac-toe passing on their first power play. Mike Bartlett and Darryl McArthur set up Ted Vandermeer, who scored his 15th goal of the season on a wrist shot from the right circle. The Bats led, 1-0. Austin took advantage of another power play opportunity when Brendan Cook ripped a slap shot from the right wing to score his 30th goal of the season with less than a minute remaining in the period. Ted Vandermeer and Jason Tessier had the assists. At the end of the first it was 2-0, Ice Bats.

The offense for both teams went quiet in the second period. Both teams traded blows, and had power play opportunities, but neither club could find the back of the net. At the end of two, it was 2-0 Ice Bats.

In the third period, the Ice Bats tacked on another goal when John Neal went top shelf from the point to score his 7th goal this year. Henry Kuster and Aaron Wilson had the assists on Neal's goal, which made the score 3-0, Ice Bats. There were some fireworks at the final horn as both teams exchanged pushing and shoving, but the final score was 3-0, Ice Bats. Miguel Beaudry earned his second shutout of the season, stopping all 25 Oklahoma City shots.

The Amarillo Gorillas also won their Friday night game, which means the Ice Bats remain tied with Amarillo for the fifth and final playoff spot in the CHL's Southern Conference with 49 points in the standings.

The Ice Bats take to the road Saturday as they visit the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees for a 7:35 PM puck drop. The game can be heard locally on 1530 ESPN Austin and espnaustin.com.

March 5, 2008
Ice Bats Bats Hope to Continue Leading Race for Playoffs This Weekend; Austin is Currently Two Points Ahead for Final Spot

(Austin, TX) - Despite losing two of three this past weekend, the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats have won four of their last six games, and still hold a two point advantage over Amarillo in the race for the Southern Conference's final playoff spot.

Four out of the five playoff spots in the CHL's Southern Conference have been locked up already, leaving one spot left. The Ice Bats currently sit in that fifth spot with a 23-31-1 record and 47 points on the season. Amarillo trails by two points at 18-27-9, and Corpus Christi is four points back at 18-30-7. In Austin's nine remaining regular season games, two are against Corpus and one is at Amarillo. Austin and Amarillo each play three games this weekend while Corpus Christi plays twice, but all three teams will be scoreboard watching throughout the weekend.

The Ice Bats have not participated in a playoff game since 2003.

Friday vs. Oklahoma City - 7:30 PM, Chaparral Ice Arena

Friday will be the second and final meeting this season between the Bats and Blazers, who last played on Halloween 2007, when Oklahoma City spooked the Ice Bats 7-3 in Oklahoma City. At that time three of the Bats top six scorers this season weren't even on the team. Ted Vandermeer was out with an injury suffered in pre-season, Mike Bartlett was playing for Arizona, and RG Flath was a member of the Blazers. Oklahoma City are led by one of the CHL's best D-men in Mike Burgoyne, who leads the team with 50 points this year (17 goals, 33 assists), and goalie Jason Wolfe. A goaltending monster who stands at 6'5" and a 235 pounds with a 2.91 Goals Against Avg.

Saturday @ Rio Grande Valley - 7:35 PM
Sunday vs. Rio Grande Valley - 4:05 PM, Chaparral Ice Arena

The last time the Ice Bats and Rio Grande played a home-and-home series Austin swept both games back on February 21st and 22nd. Austin heads to Hidalgo, TX on Saturday looking for revenge from their previous contest against the Killer Bees, which the Bats lost 3-2. The Bats are 5-3 vs. Rio Grande this season, and 2-1 when playing on the road. The question for Rio Grande will be who starts in goal. David Lemanowicz (Luh-MAN-o-vich) has been the number one guy with 30 appearances this year, but Austin has given him problems. Lemanowicz is 1-4 with a 3.66 Goals Against Avg. in 5 appearances vs. the Ice Bats. Meanwhile, backup AJ Bucchino (Boo-KEE-no) was impressive in the previous meeting between Rio Grande and the Bats stopping 39 of 41 shots to preserve a 3-2 win. This year Bucchino has stood tall in limited action vs. Austin with a 2.58 Goals Against Avg. in two appearances.

Sunday matinees have been a coin flip for the Ice Bats, who are 3-3 in their Sunday games. Sunday will be the third of five contests against the Killer Bees during the month of March.

Bat Droppings...

Saturday will be RG Flath's first meeting against his former club. Flath was waived by Oklahoma City on November 29th, and joined the Ice Bats on December 1st.
Four of the Bats next six games will be against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.
Brendan Cook (10 goals, 6 assists), RG Flath (4 goals, 6 assists), and Mike Bartlett (3 goals, 7 assists) have scored a combined 36 points in the last 10 games.
Since January 1st, the Ice Bats have only suffered one three-game losing streak (February 15, 16, and 17). The Ice Bats currently have lost back-to-back games entering Friday's contest.
Henry Kuster is six goals away from breaking into the CHL's Top 10 Career Goal Scoring Leaders.

March 2, 2008
Brahmas Ice Bats Comeback Runs Incomplete in 6-5 Loss

(North Richland Hills, TX) - After a shootout victory over Amarillo on Friday, the playoff train that appeared heading for Austin slowed down last night with a 3-2 loss to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees. On Sunday the Ice Bats traveled to the NYTEX Sports Center just outside Fort Worth for a matinee battle with the Texas Brahmas. The Bats entered the game with a 1-3 record against Texas on the year, but that lone win was in Austin. Despite an incredible comeback, the Bats just fell short to the Brahmas in the 6-5 loss.

It was an offensive first period as four goals were scored between both teams. Aaron Wilson put the Bats on the board with his first goal of the year. It was a power play goal. Henry Kuster and RG Flath had the assists. The Brahmas countered with three unanswered goals of their own. Tyler Skworchinski, Grant Jacobsen, and Brent MacSween all tallied the goals for the Brahmas. Texas entered the first intermission with a 3-1 lead.

The second period was a wild one as both teams scored seven goals. Brent MacSween got things started with his second goal of the game, on a power play. Jacobsen and Mike Vellinga had the assists to put Texas up 4-1. The rest of the period turned into the RG Flath and Brendan Cook show, who each scored a pair of goals in the period to make it a game heading into the third. Flath used helpers from John Ronan and Henry Kuster to score his first goal of the game, making the score 4-2, Texas. Next Brendan Cook pulled the Bats within one when he scored his 28th of the season on assists from Darryl McArthur and Mike Bartlett. Then Flath tied it up at 4-4, on a shorthanded breakaway. Flath put one over the shoulder of David Cacciola from his knees after being pursued by two Brahmas defenders. Blair Manning tried to stop the bleeding for Texas when he scored to make it a 5-4, Texas lead. But Cook answered right back for the Bats with he paired up with Ted Vandermeer on a two-on-one to tie the game again at 5-5. The Brahmas were awarded a power play with 1:45 remaining in the period, and scored in the nick of time to take a 6-5 lead when Anders Strome scored with 1.2 seconds remaining in the period.

Strome's goal proved to be the game winner as neither team scored in the third period, and the Brahmas slipped away with a 6-5 win over the Ice Bats.

The Bats have the week off to prepare for the visiting Oklahoma City Blazers on Friday at Chaparral Ice Arena. The puck drops at 7:35 PM, and Friday game will be the first meeting between the Bats and Blazers since October 31st, when Oklahoma City smothered Austin, 7-3. Tickets are still available by calling 512-927-7825 or visiting icebats.com.

March 1, 2008
Killer Bees Ice Bats Buzzed By Bees, 3-2

(Austin, TX) - Coming off one of their biggest wins of the season, it was a slow start on Saturday for the Ice Bats as they hosted the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at Chaparral Ice Arena. The Bees took advantage of the Bats slow start to jump out to a three goal lead. Austin added two goals in the third, but it was too little, too late as the Bees topped the Bats 3-2.

Only one goal was score in the first period when Mike Tuomi put Rio Grande up 1-0 in the first minute of the game. Robin Big Snake added the assist. That's what the scoreboard read at the end of the opening period.

In the second, Rio Grande made it a two goal lead on a Travis Banga goal. Dennis Maxwell added a shorthanded goal, to make the score 3-0, when he picked up the puck on a breakaway after exiting the penalty box. The Ice Bats were still held scoreless as the two teams skated into the second intermission with Rio Grande leading 3-0.

In the third, the Ice Bats finally found the scoreboard when RG Flath found the back of the net for his 12th goal of the year. Kurtis Kisio and John Neal tallied the assists. With 58 seconds left, Jamie Thompson pulled the Bats within one by scoring his 13th of the season. Jason Tessier and Brendan Cook added the helpers. That was as close as the Bats would get however, and Rio pulled away with a 3-2 win.

The Bats take to the road Sunday for a 3:05 PM puck drop against the Texas Brahmas. The game 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.