Austin head coach Oberlin takes NAHL positiion

The Austin Ice Bats of the NA3HL are proud of Head Coach/GM Phil Oberlin for advancing his coaching career and accepting an Assistant Coaching position with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays (NAHL).

“We needed to find someone that can help out and a guy that you can trust and rely on, and Phil is that guy… it’s going to be nice to have him as someone with a lot of experience in the coaching world,” said IceRays Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier.

Over the last season and a half, Oberlin has been crucial for guiding the Ice Bats through the inaugural season and positioning not only the program but also players for future success. Coach Oberlin’s experience and impact will be missed by not only the Ice Bats but also the AMHA and Austin Youth Hockey.

“I’m thankful for Mr. Lange, Coach Cloutier, and the whole IceRays organization for giving me this opportunity. It’s a hockey program with a long and storied history, both in the NAHL and professional ranks, and I’m excited to be able to be a part of it,” said Oberlin. “I am hoping to bring some energy, a positive attitude, and whatever I can bring to make the team successful.”

Assistant Coach Sean Tallaire will serve as interim Head Coach for the remainder of the season. Coach Tallaire brings valuable professional hockey experience as well as coaching experience in player development. Coach Tallaire, alongside his interim staff, are aligned with the overall program objectives of player advancement and embrace the goal of providing current players the best hockey environment possible.

The goal and organizational focus of the Ice Bats has always been player and professional advancement. Coach Oberlin’s own development is exciting proof that the Ice Bats can achieve the dream of building a program focused on development and advancement. The Ice Bats are excited to finish the season and look advancing players to the next level next year and beyond.