Tarantulas ink rookie netminder
Published on July 20, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Topeka Tarantulas News Release
Topeka, Kansas, July 20, 2004 â The Topeka Tarantulas have signed rookie goaltender, Dwayne Bateman, head coach Joe Coombs announced today.
In six games with St.-Francis Xavier University, Bateman had a 3-2-1 record, a goals against average of 1.96 and a .924 save percentage as the X-Men defeated the University of New Brunswick 3-2 in double overtime to capture the Canadian Interuniversity Sport championship.
In Bateman's four-year university career St.-Francis Xavier advanced to the championship game three times, winning once.
Prior to playing university hockey, Bateman compiled a 20-32-3 record in two seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. His first season was split between the Plymouth Whalers and Toronto St. Michael's Majors. His final season was with St. Mikes.
Speaking of Bateman, Coombs said "I'm excited to have a player who is looking to make a name for himself at the pro level and to prove himself". I want guys in our organization who are out to prove themselves. How much he plays is up to him".
The 6', 3", 195 lbs Bateman did not get tested a lot at St.-Francis Xavier. He said "I can count the number of breakaways and two-on-ones I faced on one hand". Bateman worked on staying alert by playing mental games when the puck was in the other end.
When asked what the biggest difference he expects from the professional ranks, compared with the university game, Bateman said "the number of games".
The native of Marmora, Ontario is readying himself for the upcoming season by doing cardiovascular exercises.
Bateman hopes to wait a few years until he puts his political science degree to work. He said "I want to play this game as long as I can, at whatever level I can get to".
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- Tarantulas ink rookie netminder - Topeka Tarantulas
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