Bats Return Young Forwards
Published on September 10, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League will return two of their most promising rookie performers from a year ago-- today announcing the signings of forwards Mike Olynyk and Brent Hughes to contract for the 2003-04 season. With the signings, the Bats now have 11 players officially under contract for the coming season.
The 21-year-old Olynyk, a native of Sparwood, British Columbia, returns to the Ice Bats for his second season of professional hockey. After four years of play in the British Columbia Junior League, Olynyk signed with the Bats as a rookie prior to last season. One of the final cuts out of training camp, he was re-signed in late October. Olynyk then became one of the Bats' most dependable defensive forwards and penalty killers, while chipping in 4 goals and 11 assists in 60 games.
"Mike proved as a rookie he can be a solid player in this league," said Jeff Greenlaw, Ice Bats Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. "From the start of the season to the end, he was probably our most improved player, and was very valuable as one of our top penalty-killers. He's a good skater, adds some toughness, and is a tenacious forechecker. We'll be looking for him to add a little more offense to his game, while at the same time, providing the kind of spark he did for us last year.
Hughes, also 21, from Toronto, Ontario, will enter his first full pro season. After a stint in the Ontario Junior League, Hughes played the majority of last season at the Tier II level in the Ontario Provincial Junior A League. He scored 35 goals and 42 assists in 45 games with Georgetown, second on the team in overall scoring. He then joined the pro ranks with the Bats during last year's President's Cup Playoffs, appearing in ten games and scoring his first pro goal in a thrilling Game Five of last year's Cup Finals.
"Brent was a very pleasant surprise for us," Greenlaw said. "It's not often that you throw a rookie into the fire like that, but he came in during the playoffs and showed a lot. He was great on face-offs, scored a big goal for us in Memphis, and wasn't afraid of anything. He's worked extremely hard over the off-season... working out with NHL players. And he's fired up to come back. He'll still have to earn his way, but we're certainly going to give him a chance.
Two players currently under contract, Hughes and goaltender Peter Brady will qualify as rookies under CHL rules. Under league rules, all CHL teams must have at least three players who have appeared in no more than 25 professional games. The Ice Bats have also signed veteran forwards Kelly Smart, Shawn Legault and Kris Waltze, wingers Tab Lardner and Joey Bastien, and defensemen Darryl McArthur, Pat Brownlee and Daniel Tetrault.
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The Ice Bats begin their eighth season of play on Saturday, October 18th, against the New Mexico Scorpions at the Travis County Expo Center. Free magnetic schedules will go to 5,000 fans. Two-time defending Southeast Division and Southern Conference champions, the Ice Bats also won the Governors' Cup with the League's top regular season record last year.
Season tickets for the upcoming season are on sale now at the Ice Bats office, in full-, half-season, or 10-game plans. Free Belfry Club membership is still included for all new full season packages, as well as free parking for all full-season and half-season plans.
For more information, fans may call the Ice Bats Ticket Office at (512) 927-PUCK, or log onto the team's website at www.icebats.com.
Central Hockey League Stories from September 10, 2003
- Bucks Finalize PreSeason Schedule - Laredo Bucks
- Killer Bees Announce Preseason Schedule - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Saints Sign Two Forwards - San Angelo Saints
- Scorpions sign three more for 03-04 - New Mexico Scorpions
- Corpus Christi Rayz Announce Preseason Showcase - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bats Return Young Forwards - Austin Ice Bats
- Thunder add high-scoring vet - Wichita Thunder
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