Christian Foils Ice Bats Streak
February 12, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
Youngstown forward Jeff Christian scored a hat trick, netting all three goals at big times, to boost the Steelhounds to a 4-3 win over the Ice Bats Sunday at the Travis County Expo Center. The loss prevented the Bats from equaling a franchise record of 11 straight home wins.
The Ice Bats came out a little slow and Christian netted his first goal five minutes into the contest. Austin forward Mike Tucciarone evened the score 1:43 into the second on a rebound goal. But Christian then picked off a turnover high in the defensive zone and skated the other way for a shorthanded goal at 7:39. That sucked some of the wind out of the Bats' sails, and the Steelhounds stretched the lead to 3-1 on Jonathan Gagnon's goal late in the period.
The Bats stormed back for a pair of Julian Smith goals in the third. Smith jumped on a loose puck for a power play goal 1:18 into the final period, and scored again on the man-advantage at 14:43. But just 13 seconds after Smith's tying goal, Christian completed the hat trick with the game-winner. Smith had two goals and an assist to lead Austin scoring.
For the moment, the Ice Bats (23-21-3) stay four points ahead of idle Amarillo and five ahead of Rio Grande Valley, pending the outcome of the Killer Bees' Sunday evening game against Corpus Christi.
The Ice Bats return to play Friday at home against Colorado, with a portion of ticket proceeds to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and the second set of Ice Bats trading cards to 3,000 fans. After a Saturday game at Corpus Christi, the Bats will return to host Laredo on Sunday, with youth jerseys to 1,000 fans 13 and under.
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Central Hockey League Stories from February 12, 2006
- Lindsay leads Bees past Rayz - Corpus Christi IceRays
- SteelHounds stop Austin's streak, 4-3 - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Christian Foils Ice Bats Streak - Austin Ice Bats
- Killer Bees Game Notes - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Rayz escape Brahmas 3-2 in OT - Fort Worth Brahmas
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