The Bats Battle Back Big in El Paso and Keep Building in the Community
Bats Bounce Back in El Paso
The Austin Ice Bats opened November on the road with a tough weekend series against the El Paso Rhinos. Although the first matchup ended with a 1–4 loss, the team quickly regrouped and delivered a commanding 6–1 victory in Game 2.
Goaltender Collin Rosenau anchored the defense with confidence, shutting down scoring chances throughout the night. Mason Manderfield stood out with another strong performance, while Guhnar Hillman shifted to defense — just as Jake Bamback did during the team’s last weekend in El Paso. Their versatility and determination set the tone for a resilient comeback, proving once again that the Bats rise when challenged.
Welcoming a New Face: Owen Rattray
The Ice Bats also welcomed an exciting new addition to the roster — #20 Owen Ratray, a talented defenseman from Edmonton, Alberta. Ratray brings size, skill, and fresh energy to the lineup, and fans can expect him to make an immediate impact on the ice. His arrival adds depth to the team’s blue line and reinforces the Bats’ growing chemistry as the season progresses.
Staying Connected with the Community
The Bats’ commitment to community outreach remains a key part of their season. On Halloween, players spent the afternoon at Monarch Senior Living Center, celebrating with residents and families during a fun trick-or-treat event filled with laughter, candy, and team spirit.
Just a few days later, on Thursday and Friday, the Bats visited Rutledge Elementary School — the first school to participate in our new Bat Colony Classroom Program!
Through this program, players connect with students to share lessons about teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. The visits are designed to inspire young fans while strengthening the bond between the Ice Bats and the Austin community.
Exciting Updates and What’s Next
In addition to their on-ice success and community involvement, the Ice Bats are thrilled to announce that their official website has been completely updated!
Fans can now easily explore upcoming home games, browse recent highlights, and learn more about community programs like the Bat Colony Classroom initiative.
Even better — official Austin Ice Bats merch is launching soon!
Stay tuned for release details and get ready to rep your favorite team with fresh gear this season.
Looking Ahead
After a hard-fought weekend in El Paso and another inspiring round of community visits, the Austin Ice Bats continue to grow both as a team and as a cornerstone of Austin’s hockey culture. Their energy, teamwork, and dedication to the community set the tone for an exciting stretch ahead.
Follow along for the latest updates, new community initiatives, and come see the game action at The Crossover in Cedar Park — and keep an eye out for the launch of our brand-new merch!