Ice Bats Add Power Up Front
July 20, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced the signings of forwards Britt Dougherty and Jordan Bianchin to contract for the 2006-07 season, the Ice Bats' first at Chaparral Ice Arena. With the signings, the Ice Bats now have six players officially under contract for the coming season.
The 22-year-old Dougherty, a native of Keeler, Saskatchewan, returns for his second pro season with the Ice Bats. Dougherty led the team with 146 minutes in penalties last year, including 22 fighting majors. And over the second half of the season, he blossomed into not only one of the league's most respected enforcers, but an effective power forward. Dougherty played in the Western Hockey League and Saskatchewan and Manitoba Junior Leagues, and also spent time with CHL Corpus Christi before playing his first full pro season last year.
"Britt came in to fill that 'enforcer' role last year, and he definitely did that," said Ice Bats Head Coach Bill McDonald. "But over the second half of the season, he made immense improvement in his overall game and was a key contributor in our playoff run. He'll continue to handle the physical workload, but will see a lot more ice time on a regular basis this year."
Bianchin, 24, from Nanaimo, British Columbia, will enter his third pro season. A product of the University of Denver and Northern Michigan University, Bianchin spent his first pro season playing for McDonald with the New Mexico Scorpions. Bianchin scored 23 points in 57 games with the Scorpions, then played in Italy last year, scoring 9 points in 40 games with Asiago HC.
Bianchin's father Wayne was a 2nd-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1973 and played 275 NHL games in seven seasons with the Penguins and Edmonton.
"Jordan is another big kid at 6-2, 220 pounds," McDonald said. "He plays physical, but he'll also be one of the top skaters in our league. He can flat-out fly, and will create chances with his speed." "Both these kids are big power forwards with great potential," McDonald said. "Fans will enjoy watching both."
The Ice Bats will begin their 11th season at the all-new Chaparral Ice Arena, located on I-35 between Howard Lane and Wells Branch Parkway. The team's first home game for the 2006-07 season has been scheduled for Saturday, October 21st, with the remainder of the CHL schedule to be released in late July or early August.
Season tickets and corporate partnerships for the '06-'07 campaign are currently available, with full-season and half-season ticket plans on sale now. Fans may call the Ice Bats ticket office at (512) 927-PUCK, or log onto the team's website at www.icebats.com for more information.
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Central Hockey League Stories from July 20, 2006
- Eagles and The Bear team up for broadcasts - Colorado Eagles
- Eagles land defenseman Aaron Schneekloth - Colorado Eagles
- Ice Bats Add Power Up Front - Austin Ice Bats
- Scorpions add another rookie to roster - New Mexico Scorpions
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