Ice Bats Again "Nabb" Top Scorer
Published on June 20, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
With the team's top goaltender and one of its top defenders already set to return, the Austin Ice Bats today addressed their offensive needs. The Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League announced that winger John McNabb has been re-signed for the team's 10th-Anniversary 2005-06 season. McNabb joins goaltender Matt Barnes and defenseman Ryan Leasa as Ice Bats officially under contract for the coming season.
The 27-year-old McNabb will enter his seventh pro season, his second with the Ice Bats. The Calgary, Alberta native finished in the top eight in CHL scoring last season (fifth in goal scoring) with 37 goals and 37 assists in 56 games, and his six shorthanded goals led the league.
In addition, McNabb was runner-up for Southern Conference MVP honors at the 2005 CHL All-Star Game in Laredo, scoring 2 goals and 4 assists in the contest. Spending most of his five prior seasons in the East Coast Hockey League, McNabb was also an All-Star in that league in 2000.
"We're excited to have our top scorer back in the fold for the coming season," said Ice Bats President Jeff Buch. "John is one of the most electrifying players in the league, and will be counted on to be a key part of a team we believe will compete for a championship."
"Pure goal scorers like John McNabb are extremely valuable," said Ice Bats Head Coach Greg Gatto. "He's a guy that opponents have to account for at all times, and one that we can use in a lot of situations. In addition to his ability on the power play, he was voted among the best penalty killers in the league and helped us lead the league in shorthanded goals. Hopefully, with an improved overall cast around him, he can step it up even one more level."
"I'm looking forward to coming back," McNabb said. "We've got a lot to build on. I firmly believe that Coach Gatto will put a contending team on the ice this year, and I'm excited to be a part of playing here."
McNabb will join Gatto this weekend for the second of five youth in-line hockey clinics this summer. The "RollerBats Asphalt Assault Tour" continues this Saturday, June 25th from 10am to noon, at the Academy Sports & Outdoors location at I-35 and William Cannon.
All the clinics are free of charge and open to all children ages 6-13, accompanied by a parent or guardian. No pre-registration is necessary. Ice Bats players and Gatto conduct skills and safety demonstrations, and in-line hockey scrimmages. Autograph signings conclude each session. Participants are asked to bring their own in-line skates, stick and helmet. Additional equipment will be available on a limited basis.
The Ice Bats will begin their 10th-Anniversary 2005-06 season in October at the Travis County Expo Center, before relocating to a new facility in Cedar Park in the Fall of 2006. Season tickets and corporate partnerships are currently available for the upcoming season. 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.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 20, 2005
- Ice Bats Again "Nabb" Top Scorer - Austin Ice Bats
- Summer hockey camp kicks off - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bucks Re-Sign Cullaton - Laredo Bucks
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