by Jason Cohen

Jeff Greenlaw LW
Fearsome 16-year pro takes on additional assistant coaching tasks in what
could be his final season.

Jaroslav Kresac F
Czech has hands, speed - can he handle culture shock while adjusting to U.S.
minors' claustrophobic style?

Tab Lardner F
Second-year Energizer Bunny's work ethic creates offensive opportunities.
Increased ice time this season means more of them.

Ian Larocque F
Talented returnee could fill void left by Bobby Brown at wing, or play
defensive role at center.

Shawn Legault F
Heavyweight defenseman from '98-'00 returns to Austin via two-way deal with
Houston of the AHL, this time as a wing. 400-plus PiMs last season, but
no suspensions.

Randy Ponte LW
Western Hockey League alum has five years and more than 1200 PiMs on
resume; chasing same roster spot as Olnyk

Dan Price RW
A veritable highlight reel on skates, Price won last season's CHL scoring
title playing harder, smarter and more responsibly. Best is yet to come.

Brett Seguin C
Six-time all-star and playmaker extraordinaire makes whole team go; Austin's
all-time leading scorer.

Kelly Smart C
Fifth-year Bat is team's most complete player -- or will be again upon
regaining his '00-'01 scoring touch.

Gerald Tallaire LW
Third member of the “STP Fuel Line" gets noticed for his speed and savvy
first, but it's his oversized determination that makes him such a gem.

DEFENSEMEN

Patrick Brownlee
If you never notice this reliable, low-key defensive specialist, that means
he's doing a great job.

Kevin Fournier
The Bats muddled through with five "D" much of last season, so this rookie
would have room to grow.

Mike Gaffney
The Bats' best d-man in the playoffs after rejoining the team in March.
He'll shoulder the blue line's offensive load in the absence of Daniel
Tetrault and Greg Willers.

Pat Glenday
Second-year pro played 54 games for San Antonio last season; battling with
Fournier for final spot.

Doug Johnson
Coming off of two years in Lake Charles and a stingy season with Odessa;
perhaps the steady vet that Austin was missing last year.

Daryl McArthur
Second-year player rarely seemed like it – this could be his breakout season
at both ends of the ice.

Mike Rees
Longtime El Paso Buzzard represents another upgrade in toughness and
experience; will help out on the PP too.

GOALIES

Matt Barnes
The WPHL's Goalie of the Year in '98-'99 (6for the Central Texas Stampede) is
coming off a championship in Holland.

Peter Brady
Vancouver Canucks draftee looks to rebound from injury-plagued college
stint; was MVP of British Columbia Junior Hockey League in 1997.
Best-conditioned guy in camp.