Ice Bats Get Two in Tulsa Trades
September 19, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced completion of a pair of trades with the Tulsa Oilers, obtaining right wing Henry Kuster and forward Mike Possin. Both players have been signed to contract for the 2006-07 season, the Ice Bats' first at Chaparral Ice Arena. With the signings, the Ice Bats now have 13 players officially under contract for the coming season.
The 28-year-old Kuster, a native of Edmonton, Alberta, was obtained from the Oilers in exchange for defenseman Kevin Harris (obtained earlier this summer from Memphis) and future considerations. Kuster (KOO-ster) scored a career-most 75 points with Tulsa last season.
A second-round pick of the NHL Boston Bruins in 1996, Kuster played five junior seasons in the Western Hockey League, then split his first four pro seasons between the ECHL and the San Antonio Iguanas of the CHL. From 2000 to 2004, Kuster compiled four straight 20-goal seasons with San Antonio and Amarillo, before a knee injury limited him to eight games in 2004-05. Kuster scored 35 goals and 40 assists in his "comeback" season last year, finishing among the league's top 20 scorers.
"When a guy of Henry's value becomes available, it definitely catches your attention," said Ice Bats Coach Bill McDonald. "He's a big body with lots of skill and has one of the hardest shots in the league. I've coached a lot against him, and I'm happy that he'll be providing firepower for my team instead of against me."
Possin, 29, from St. Cloud, Minnesota, was also obtained from Tulsa for future considerations. Possin (Po-SEEN) appeared in three seasons at the University of North Dakota and was on the Fighting Sioux' 2000 championship team, before finishing his collegiate career at St. John's University in Minnesota. He finished third among United League rookie scorers en route to the UHL Finals with Quad City in 2002-03, then spent two seasons playing under McDonald in New Mexico.
Last season, Possin joined the Oilers in December and finished with 9 goals and 10 assists in 42 games.
"Mike's a good all-around player who can be placed in any situation," McDonald said. "You can ask him to check the opponent's top line, or kick in offensively on your first line, if necessary. He can skate, and he's a smart player."
The Ice Bats also announced a pair of schedule changes. The Ice Bats' home game on Saturday, January 20th has been switched to a 3pm start time. And the team's game February 18th at Corpus Christi has been moved to Thursday, December 14th.
The Ice Bats will open their 11th season on Saturday, October 21st at 7:30pm against the defending Northern Conference champion Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.
The all-new Chaparral Ice Arena is located on I-35 between Howard Lane and Wells Branch Parkway. 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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- Ice Bats Get Two in Tulsa Trades - Austin Ice Bats
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