Ice Bats Fall in Preseason Opener
October 12, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Laredo Bucks defeated the Austin Ice Bats, 5-3 in the preseason opener for both teams, Thursday night in College Station. The Bucks tossed 55 shots on net in a mostly offensive affair at Arctic Wolf Ice Center.
The Ice Bats opened scoring on a Julian Smith goal five minutes in, but Laredo scored twice in the first and once in the second period on Austin goalie Andrew Martin.
The Bats battled back on a Brandon Doria power play goal in the second, then tied the game 16 seconds into the third. Newcomer Jordan Bianchin whistled around the defense, and snapped a shot from the left wing past Laredo goalie Rick Nichol.
But the Bucks retook the lead 30 seconds later on a Steve Weidlich goal, and added one other third period score.
The Ice Bats, missing six players on their training camp roster because of delays in immigration processing, were expected to receive five of those players late Thursday, including goalie Miguel Beaudry and three defensemen.
The Bats played Thursday's game with only three true defensemen in the lineup.
"There were some surprises and some disappointments," said Ice Bats Coach Bill McDonald. "It was a little sloppy, playing guys out of position like we had to. But I thought our goalie was pretty good given the amount of shots he faced. It'll be nice to get some defensive help and get settled here in camp."
The Ice Bats play home preseason games Friday and Saturday night at Chaparral Ice Arena. Friday's rematch against Laredo is open exclusively to season ticket holders. Tickets for Saturday's game against Corpus Christi are half price in all seating levels. Both games begin at 7:30pm.
The Ice Bats have also agreed to add a fourth exhibition game Sunday in Corpus Christi. The Ice Bats take the place of Rio Grande Valley as the Rayz' opponent, due to ongoing roster shortages for the Killer Bees.
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Central Hockey League Stories from October 12, 2006
- Ice Bats Fall in Preseason Opener - Austin Ice Bats
- Mudbugs Fall to Jackalopes 5-3 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Sunday's game at Corpus a no-go for Bees - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Bees add to game night promotions - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Bucks Beat Bats 5-3 - Laredo Bucks
- RiverKings to host Wichita in two exhibitions - Mississippi RiverKings
- Scorpions single game tickets on sale Monday - New Mexico Scorpions
- Gorillas battle Cotton Kings Friday, Scorpions Saturday - Amarillo Gorillas
- Exhibition opponent changes - Corpus Christi IceRays
- SteelHounds Exhibition Game Versus Dayton Scheduled For Tomorrow - Youngstown SteelHounds
- First preseason game tonight - Tulsa Oilers
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