Bats Lose Game One, 4-1
March 24, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
(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.
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.
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