Ice Bats Ink Second-Year Forwards
July 12, 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 Mike Tucciarone and Tim Earl to contract for the 2006-07 season, the Ice Bats' first at Chaparral Ice Arena.
The 25-year-old Tucciarone, a native of Richmond Hill, Ontario, was among the CHL's top rookies last season. A consistent four-year scorer at Division I Rochester Institute of Technology, Tucciarone was obtained by the Ice Bats in a trade with Amarillo during last season's training camp. The 6-1, 195-pound right wing went on to finish fourth among CHL rookies with 25 goals and 20 assists in 64 games. He was named to the CHL All-Rookie Team, and was a finalist for league Outstanding Rookie honors.
With Tucciarone in the fold, the Ice Bats have now re-signed their top three scorers from a year ago, a list that also includes winger John McNabb and center Aaron Davis.
"Mike was a pleasant surprise for us in his rookie season," said Ice Bats Head Coach Bill McDonald. "He struggled early as most rookies do, but he kept with it and developed into one of the premier young right wingers in our league. 25 goals is pretty good from a rookie, and he'll have an opportunity to improve in his second season. We're happy to have him locked up."
Earl, 24, from Troy, New York, also is entering his second full season. Obtained by trade from Oklahoma City in May, Earl scored 12 goals and 18 assists in 59 games in his rookie season with the Blazers last year. He also appeared in five games with Wichita in the 2005 CHL Playoffs. Earl began his pro career after four seasons at SUNY-Cortland, leading that school with 17 goals and 17 assists in 27 games during his senior season.
"I'm excited about Tim's prospects," McDonald said. "He can play both center and wing, he's extremely gritty and is a good penalty killer. Most importantly, he's money in the bank-you know he'll come to play night in and night out. And since we picked him up, other teams in the league have been trying to acquire him, so that's a good sign."
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 July.
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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