Veteran McDonald Named Ice Bats Coach
Published on July 21, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Austin Ice Bats News Release
The new Coach of the Austin Ice Bats possesses not only previous head coaching experience, but experience in winning championships. The Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League today announced the hiring of veteran Bill McDonald as the team's new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. McDonald replaces Greg Gatto, who resigned after one season to take a similar post at the University of Lethbridge.
The 52-year-old McDonald, a native of Thunder Bay, Ontario, has led teams to appearances in league finals on six occasions, winning four championships during a 14-year professional coaching career. McDonald ranks third all-time in CHL wins, and has been named Coach of the Year in three different leagues.
McDonald began his coaching career in his hometown of Thunder Bay, coaching the city's Colonial Hockey League entrant for four seasons, winning the league championship in his first season in 1992, then back-to-back titles in 1994 and 1995. He then spent two Central Hockey League seasons with the Fort Worth Fire, winning the Ray Miron Cup as league champions in 1997.
After taking the Fort Worth Brahmas to the Western Professional Hockey League President's Cup Finals in 1998, McDonald joined the Dallas Stars organization. McDonald served as Assistant Coach with the Stars during the 1999-2000 season, and coached the team's top affiliate, the International Hockey League's Michigan K-Wings for two years.
In 2000, McDonald returned to the WPHL, leading the Lubbock Cotton Kings to the President's Cup Finals in his first season. He has spent the past 2-1/2 seasons with the CHL New Mexico Scorpions, guiding the team to a 32-27-5 record in 2003-04. Last season, playing in one of the toughest divisions in all of hockey, McDonald's Scorpions were 27-27-6.
"Bill McDonald has an outstanding record as a head coach, not only in producing wins, but in earning championships," said Ice Bats President Jeff Buch. "He understands what it takes to build a team, he's a tenacious recruiter and he develops young players into winners. We believe Bill is the perfect choice to lead our team toward our goal of winning a championship."
"I'm excited about the opportunity to coach the Ice Bats," McDonald said. "I knew I wanted to continue coaching and considered offers from a number of teams, but I wanted to find the right opportunity. Austin is a great spot with a great history and quality people. When I'd met Jeff on past occasions, I felt like we hit it off well. I know the league well, and with the good start they've had in recruiting, I believe we can put together a team to compete for the championship."
"Winning certainly doesn't come easy," McDonald continued. "We know we're in a tough division, but we're determined to put together a winning team with an emphasis on sound defense and quality goaltending, and we'll win with character and work ethic."
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This weekend, the Ice Bats conclude their schedule of free youth in-line hockey clinics. The "RollerBats Asphalt Assault Tour" wraps up this Saturday, July 23rd from 10am to noon, at the Academy Sports & Outdoors location at 4970 W. Highway 290, at Brodie Lane.
The clinic is 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 coaches 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. 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 21, 2005
- Veteran McDonald Named Ice Bats Coach - Austin Ice Bats
- Eagles signing is a hit - Colorado Eagles
- Herauf Returns to Blazers Lineup - Oklahoma City Blazers
- All-Star goaltender Beaudry signs with RiverKings - Mississippi RiverKings
- DeCecco decides on Brahmas - Fort Worth Brahmas
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