Two in a Row for the Ice Bats
October 27, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
Looking to build on the momentum of their first win of the season the previous night, the Central Hockey League's Austin Ice Bats traveled to Dodge Arena is Hidalgo, Texas to take on the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, Saturday night.
In the first period both teams traded bows back and forth, but neither could score a goal. Jamie Thompson had a close call for the Bats early when he ripped a slap shot from the left circle that hit the top of the post. Rio Grande Valley had a couple scoring opportunities as well, but Miroslav Kopriva turned away all 11 first period shots with some dazzling saves.
In the second period both teams continued to find quality scoring opportunities, but both goaltenders continued to make saves. The Ice Bats finally broke the tie at 13:01 with a shorthanded goal by Brendan Cook, his second of the season. Jason Tessier and Taylor Raszka tallied the assists on the play. It was the fourth shorthanded goal by the Bats and the fifth point for Tessier in the last two games. Rio Grande would answer back at 6:56 when Mike Looby banged home the Bees' first goal on assists from Nick Warriner and Mark O'Leary. At the end of the second, the game was tied 1-1.
Both teams picked up the hitting and aggression in the third, trying to snap the tie. At 8:37 Jamie Thompson put the Bats up for good thanks some beautiful passing from Darryl McArthur and Zech Klann on an Ice Bats power play. It was Thompson's third goal of the season, and it gave the Bats a 2-1 advantage. Henry Kuster added an empty net goal with 1:30 to play, and Kurtis Kisio banged home another power play goal to make the final score 4-1, Ice Bats.
Miroslav Kopriva was the top start of the game stopping 35 of 36 shots, and the Bats have now won two in a row, after losing their first three games of the season.
Next up for the Ice Bats is a Halloween, road trip to Oklahoma City to take on the Blazers at the Ford Center at 7:05 PM. The game can be heard on 1530 ESPN Austin, or online at icebats.com.
The Ice Bats are the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Wild (NHL) and the Houston Aeros (AHL). The team is currently in their 12th season in Austin. For single game, group, and season ticket packages call (512) 927-7825, or visit icebats.com for more information.
• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...
Central Hockey League Stories from October 27, 2007
- Rage Remains Undefeated - Rocky Mountain Rage
- Bes Scores Four As Bucks Win Fifth Straight: Equal Best Start Ever - Laredo Bucks
- Hounds edge Rayz 3-2 in shootout - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Sundogs Fall to Rage in Overtime, 5-4 - Arizona Sundogs
- Amarillo Falls in Laredo - Amarillo Gorillas
- A Tale of Three Periods Goes the Hounds Way in the End - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Two in a Row for the Ice Bats - Austin Ice Bats
- Scorpions Fall In Odessa Saturday Night - New Mexico Scorpions
- Gorillas Seek First Win - Amarillo Gorillas
- Margeson Called to Monsters - Youngstown SteelHounds
- Bucks Go For Fifth Straight Win Tonight - Laredo Bucks
- Mudbugs lose another heartbreaker - Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs
- Ice Bats Tie CHL Record in First Win - Austin Ice Bats
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
