Ice Bats Bring UHL Rookie of Year to Austin
July 16, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced the signing of forward Benoit Genesse to contract for the 2004-05 CHL season. The speedy second-year forward comes from the United Hockey League, where he was honored as the 2003-04 league Rookie of the Year.
The 22-year-old Genesse, a native of La Sarre, Quebec, averaged nearly 25 goals and 64 points per season in four years of play in the Quebec Major Junior League. He scored a combined 29 goals and 84 points in 63 games in his final year of junior play two seasons ago.
Last season, Genesse led all UHL rookies in goals, assists and points, scoring 23 goals and 41 assists in 75 games at Port Huron. He added four goals in nine playoff games with the Beacons.
"Ben is a dynamic all-around player who would be prized on any team at this level," said Jeff Greenlaw, Ice Bats Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. "He brings quickness and speed to our lineup, and I've had several coaches attest to his outstanding work ethic and desire."
"21 of his 23 goals last year were scored even-strength," Greenlaw said. "That tells me that with more power play time, he's capable of putting up even better numbers. He has a tremendous upside. He can play all three forward positions. And we'll use him in all situations, on the power play, penalty kill, wherever. I think he's looking forward to showcasing all his skills against some of the best young players at this level. And I think he'll really enjoy playing for a great organization in a growing league, with a mission and history of developing players for the future."
Genesse joins forwards Jared Dumba, Mike Olynyk and Brent Gay, defenseman Brian Pasko, and goaltenders Matt Barnes and Peter-Emmanuel Brady as Ice Bats signed for the coming season. Further signings will be announced in the coming weeks.
--
The Ice Bats are preparing for their ninth season of play at the Travis County Expo Center. Season tickets and corporate partnerships are currently available for the upcoming season. Once again, free Belfry Club membership is included with all full-season packages, and free parking with all full-season and 16-game ticket plans.
In addition, the team's "RollerBats Asphalt Assault Tour" continues this weekend, with the latest in a series of free youth in-line hockey clinics. This weekend's clinic takes place from 10am to noon on Saturday, July 17th, at the Academy Sports and Outdoors location at 1351 IH-35 in Round Rock. The clinic is open to all children ages 6-13, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Ice Bats players and coaches provide free skills and safety demonstrations, in-line scrimmages and autographs.
Fans may call the Ice Bats ticket office at (512) 927-PUCK, or log onto the team's website at www.icebats.com for more information.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from July 16, 2004
- Kings sign Lance Leslie - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Ice Bats Bring UHL Rookie of Year to Austin - Austin Ice Bats
- Jr. StreetKings returns for fall season - Mississippi RiverKings
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
