Bats Lose, But Stay As Fifth Playoff Seed
March 20, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
(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
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.
Central Hockey League Stories from March 20, 2008
- RiverKings Edge Blazers 1-0 - Mississippi RiverKings
- Amarillo Knocks off Ice Bats 3-2 - Amarillo Gorillas
- Can't Miss Events to Close Regular Season - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bats Lose, But Stay As Fifth Playoff Seed - Austin Ice Bats
- Sundogs Announce Remaining Second Round Home Playoff Dates - Arizona Sundogs
- Stacey Bauman Named CHL Man of the Year - CHL
- Can't Miss Events to Close the Regular Season - CHL
- Chris Stewart Wins CHL's Rick Kozuback Award - Colorado Eagles
- Chris Stewart Named Rick Kozuback Award Winner - CHL
- Hounds Eye Second Straight Playoff Birth - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Bucks To Hold Playoff Preview Show At Hal's - Laredo Bucks
- Aaron Grosul Named Hockey Director for NCYH - Colorado Eagles
- Rage Collapse, Lose in Overtime - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Sundogs Unbelievable Comeback Too Much for Rage, Win 7-6 in Overtime - Arizona Sundogs
- RiverKings Dodge Bullet to Retain Playoff Spot - 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.
