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Friday, February 23, 2001
Erbsland bouncing back as 'Rays goalie
Stepping in for injured Skazyk, rookie has improved his record to 4-1-0
By Javier Becerra
Caller-Times
Brad Erbsland spent a month and a half on the bench before making his first appearance in goal for the Corpus Christi IceRays.
   The rookie from Plattsburgh (N.Y.) State saw minimal action in two games for the IceRays, allowing six goals in just over 30 minutes of play.
   When No. 1 goalie Eddy Skazyk was injured in last Friday's game against Bossier-Shreveport, Erbsland stepped in to stop 17 of 18 shots and earn the win.
   Erbsland has since made three starts and improved his record to 4-1-0 after an impressive performance in a 5-3 win over Austin last Wednesday.
   Skazyk's return from an injured left leg remains uncertain, but Taylor Hall isn't concerned as the IceRays continue their pursuit of a third consecutive playoff appearance.
   "Brad went in and just took the bull by the horns," said Hall, whose IceRays (32-22-3) are in fourth place in the Western Professional Hockey League Eastern Division with 67 points.
   "It's always good to see the young guys do well when they get the opportunity," Hall said. "He sat and watched for so long, but he looked like a seasoned veteran when he got out on the ice. He's made huge improvements."
   Tonight Erbsland and IceRays will face two-time defending WPHL champion Bossier-Shreveport for the last time this season. The Mudbugs (36-17-2) lead the Eastern Division with 74 points.
   Though Erbsland could remain the starter for several games, he knows his primary role on the team is to back up Skazyk.
   "My job right now is to help get us wins, but I'm here to give Eddy a break," said Erbsland, who currently boasts a goals-allowed average of 1.97 per game. "I know it's hard to take Eddy out of the lineup, but we have to make sure he's healthy enough to carry the team and help get us to the playoffs."
   IceRays forward Kurt Wickenheiser said the team has remained confident with Erbsland starting in place of Skazyk.
   "Brad hadn't played until last week, but he came in and did well," Wickenheiser said. "The confidence right now is high, which is huge. The whole team is playing well defensively."
   Erbsland gave up two goals and stopped two in 17 minutes, 28 seconds in Corpus Christi's 7-2 loss to Austin on Feb. 11. Two days later, Erbsland made 28 saves in a 6-4 loss to Odessa, but was credited with the loss despite giving up just one goal.
   "Brad played hard in his first game in Austin, but you could still see a little inexperience," Hall said. "Since then, however, he's come in and played great hockey."
   Following his performance against Bossier-Shreveport, 5-foot-9, 175-pound Erbsland made his first start last Sunday against Austin. He stopped 24 of 25 shots to give Corpus Christi just its third win against the Ice Bats this season.
   Erbsland's dominance continued against Fort Worth last Tuesday, stopping 29 of 30 shots in a 3-1 win. On Wednesday night, Erbsland made 45 saves against Austin in his first home appearance, which he said wasn't too nerve-racking.
   "I think sometimes it's easier to start on the road," Erbsland said. "You never want to let your home crowd down, especially when you're making your first start. It was good to get the jitters out on the road."

Staff writer Javier Becerra can be reached at 886-3734 or by e-mail at becerraj@caller.com

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