Greenlaw Era Begins With Signings Of Top Scorer, Defensive Stalwart
Published on July 17, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced their first pair of player signings for the 2003-04 CHL season. Center Kelly Smart, the team's top scorer last season, and forward Tab Lardner will both return to the team, the first players signed under new Head Coach Jeff Greenlaw.
The 25-year-old Smart, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, has spent most of his five pro seasons in an Austin uniform. The team's best overall player last year, Smart led the team in scoring with 29 goals and 42 assists, while appearing in all 64 regular season games.
Finishing among the league's top dozen scorers, Smart also led the team in power play, shorthanded and game-winning goalsâall while maintaining his customary exemplary work defensively, on specialty teams, and in the face-off circle.
A five-year junior star with the successful Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League, Smart has also appeared in 27 games in the AAA-level International League, with the Houston Aeros. He was named a Western Professional Hockey League All-Star in 2001, and was in last season's CHL All-Star Game in Oklahoma City.
Lardner, 23, from Edmonton, Alberta, will begin his third straight season with the Ice Bats, after appearing in all 64 regular season games in each of the past two seasons. A product of Michigan Tech University, Lardner finished 5th in team scoring last season, with 21 goals and 28 assistsâbut is even more valuable as a defensive and penalty killing forward. He has also been among the team's most effective playoff performers, scoring key goals in each of the past two post-season runs.
"I'm excited to have both of these guys back on our team this year," Greenlaw said. "Smarty's a veteran player that brings so much to the table. He can do it all. I can use him on the power play and penalty kill, and he's one of the top face-off men in the league. That versatility makes him invaluable. And he exhibits a lot of quiet leadership in our locker room.
"Tab is another guy that's a great two-way player at this level," Greenlaw said. "He's been a clutch player for us, and a guy that has improved dramatically over his two years of pro hockey.
Under CHL rules, Smart qualifies as a "veteran," one of five players allowed with more than 260 games of pro experience. Greenlaw said he expects to sign more returning players and new faces within the next few weeks.
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The 2003-04 CHL season begins October 16th, with the Ice Bats in defense of their Southeast Division and Governors' Cup titles. The team's complete game schedule will be finalized and released as early as next week.
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 July 17, 2003
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- Greenlaw Era Begins With Signings Of Top Scorer, Defensive Stalwart - Austin Ice Bats
- Former Assistant Greenlaw Named Ice Bats' Next Head Coach - Austin Ice Bats
- Bats Name New Coach, First Player Signings - Austin Ice Bats
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