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

March 16, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release


(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.

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 16, 2008


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