Mr. Smith Boosts Bats, 3-2
Published on January 28, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
Austin forward Julian Smith scored two goals and an assist, including the shootout winner, to give the Ice Bats their seventh straight win, 3-2 over Oklahoma City Saturday night at the Travis County Expo Center. Already in sole possession of the fourth and final Southern Conference playoff position, the Ice Bats moved within two points of second-place Rio Grande Valley in the Southeast Division.
Oklahoma City wasted little time getting on the board, Michel Beausoleil opening scoring just 17 seconds into the contest. The Ice Bats tied the game at 13:34 of the second, with Smith winning a face-off, then pumping in a goal from the left circle. Oklahoma City goalie Sean Connors stopped Austin's John McNabb on a shorthanded breakaway in the final half-minute to keep the score tied after two.
Midway through the final period, a shot by Ice Bats defenseman Jonathan Jolette deflected off the post, and the Blazers crashed the net for a Scott Barnes power play goal with 4:28 remaining in regulation. But exactly two minutes later, McNabb deflected in another Jolette shot for a power play score, and the teams were tied again.
With 21 seconds left in regulation, Beausoleil clipped Jolette with a stick and received a high-sticking double minor. The Ice Bats were unable to cash in however, and the teams skated through overtime scoreless.
In the shootout, Blazers defenseman Joe Dustin scored in Round One, but Ice Bats center Aaron Davis tied it in Round Two. Bats goalie Miguel Beaudry then stopped the final four shooters faced, and Smith scored the game-winner in Round Four. The win provided a fitting send-off for Ice Bats winger Dave MacIntyre, who closed out an eight-year professional career with his retirement.
At 19-18-3, the Ice Bats are above .500 for the first time this season, and 9-1-1 in January. The Bats will return to action next week with a home-and-home series against Fort Worth, hosting the Brahmas on Friday. The Bats will then finish the week with a Saturday game at Southwest Division leading Odessa.
Central Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2006
- Rayz fall to Bucks, 3-0 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Sterling stones Bugs as Brahmas win, 3-2 - Fort Worth Brahmas
- RiverKings fall in OT at Wichita - Mississippi RiverKings
- Bucks Blank Rayz 3-0, Laredo Wins Season High Tying Fifth Straight - Laredo Bucks
- SteelHounds doubled up by Oilers, 6-3 - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Kings Get Jack'ed 7-2 in Odessa - Lubbock Cotton Kings
- Eagles Break CHL Sellout Record with 3-2 Win Over Killer Bees - Colorado Eagles
- Mr. Smith Boosts Bats, 3-2 - Austin Ice Bats
- Tonight's preview - Tulsa Oilers
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