Bats On The Brink Of Playoff Birth
March 18, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
(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 birth 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 16-5-1record 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
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Central Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2008
- Sundogs Clinch First-Ever Division Title in 8-6 Win - Arizona Sundogs
- Gorillas Eliminated From Playoff Contention With Shootout Loss - Amarillo Gorillas
- Oilers Come From Behind to Top Bugs - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- 2008 Single Game Playoff Tickets On Sale Wednesday - Fort Worth Brahmas
- Rayz end of year party Monday night - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Rage's Cullaton Named To All-CHL Team - Rocky Mountain Rage
- DeCaro Named To 2nd Straight All-CHL Team - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Colorado Eagles Foundation Commits Funds To Windsor Playground - Colorado Eagles
- Schneekloth Named To All-CHL Team - Colorado Eagles
- Evan Pighin Of The Chilliwack Bruins Named CHL Player Of The Week - CHL
- Americans' Chet Pickard Named ADT CHL Goaltender Of The Week - CHL
- CHL's Leading Scorer Named To All-CHL Team - Arizona Sundogs
- Bes Named To All-CHL Team - Laredo Bucks
- CHL Announces 2007-08 All-CHL Team - CHL
- Hartinger Named To All-CHL Team - New Mexico Scorpions
- Oilers Game Preview - Tulsa Oilers
- Two Sundogs Named To CHL All-Rookie Team - Arizona Sundogs
- Skworchinski Named To CHL All-Rookie Team - Fort Worth Brahmas
- CHL Announces 2007-08 All-Rookie Team - CHL
- Woollard Wins CHL Performance Of The Week - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks To Make Big Announcement During Friday's Game - Laredo Bucks
- Chad Woollard's Hat Trick Is Voted The Performance Of The Week - CHL
- Bats On The Brink Of Playoff Birth - Austin Ice Bats
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