Ice Bats sign two on defense
Published on July 13, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
If defense wins championships, the Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today took major steps toward becoming a championship level team, announcing the signings of defensemen Darryl McArthur and Jeff Alcombrack to contract for the team's 10th-Anniversary 2005-06 season. McArthur, who played three full seasons in an Ice Bats jersey and was voted the team's Outstanding Defenseman two years ago, returns after a year in Europe. Alcombrack, voted the team's Outstanding Defenseman last year, returns for his second straight season with the team.
The 26-year-old McArthur, a native of Oshawa, Ontario, will enter his fifth pro season. Breaking into the pro ranks with the Ice Bats in 2001, McArthur was +24 in 64 games during his rookie season. He then enjoyed a breakout year in 2002-'03, scoring 14 goals and 24 assists in 61 games and finishing second in the league at +32. McArthur appeared in the 2003 CHL All-Star Game and was a finalist for league Outstanding Defenseman honors that season, as the Ice Bats made their second straight trip to the CHL President's Cup Finals. After scoring 18 points in 64 games with the Bats in 2003-'04, McArthur took an opportunity to play in Germany last season, compiling 15 points in just 37 games with Leipzig of the German "Oberliga." Before turning pro, McArthur played three years of major junior hockey with Guelph in the Ontario Hockey League, winning the OHL championship and appearing twice in the Memorial Cup tournament. He also played two seasons at the University of New Brunswick.
Alcombrack, 25, from Kincardine, Ontario, returns as the team's top scoring defenseman. Obtained in a January trade with Odessa, Alcombrack was given a chance to showcase his offensive skills and responded with 7 goals and 14 assists in 33 games. Combined with his numbers from Odessa, Alcombrack scored 11 goals and 24 assists in 58 games last season. The fourth-year pro has also appeared with CHL teams in Memphis and New Mexico.
"We wanted to shore up our defense first and foremost," said Ice Bats Head Coach Greg Gatto, "and I think between the previous signing of Ryan Leasa and today's signings, we've done that. In Darryl McArthur, we get an experienced defenseman who can play physical, has a good shot and moves the puck well. Playing on the bigger ice surfaces in Europe helped develop his offensive skills too. Now he's excited to be back, and he'll be a big help on our power play and in our locker room. His experience will make a difference."
"Jeff Alcombrack brings a lot of offense to our team," Gatto continued. "Having coached him in Odessa, I offered him a chance to elevate his game to another level, and he did that. Some of his goals last year were highlight reel goals. If he can become more consistent, we think he can take his game up one more step, and he's been working hard this summer to do it."
With today's signings, the Ice Bats have six players officially under contract for the coming season, with McArthur and Alcombrack joining Leasa, goaltender Matt Barnes and veteran forwards Jason Ruff and John McNabb. --
This weekend, the Ice Bats resume their schedule of free youth in-line hockey clinics. The "RollerBats Asphalt Assault Tour" continues this Saturday, July 16th from 10am to noon, at the Academy Sports & Outdoors location at 12250 Research Blvd., between Oak Knoll and Duval. All five summer 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 Coach 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 July 13, 2005
- Ryan Shmyr Returns to the Valley - Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees
- Thomas back for 2005-06 campaign - Oklahoma City Blazers
- Bucks to host 2005 Summer Roller Hockey Camp - Laredo Bucks
- Mudbugs sign first player for 2005-06 - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Ice Bats sign two on defense - Austin Ice Bats
- Reid-iculously good - Corpus Christi IceRays
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