Gunner Garrett Returns to Austin Ice Bats Equipment Cage - Jason Carr New Athletic Trainer

MLN Newswire - The Austin Ice Bats of the Central Hockey League are proud to welcome the return of Gunner Garrett as the team’s Equipment Manager for the 2006-07 season. Garrett, who retired last summer following extensive heart surgery, has rejoined the team, effective immediately.

     The 63-year-old Garrett is a veteran of 45 years in professional hockey, including all ten Ice Bats seasons.  The veteran equipment man has worked at the highest levels of the sport, including 14 years with the NHL Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators organizations.

     In late June 2005, Garrett suffered a ruptured aorta, and doctors were forced to replace the entire main artery to his heart.  Released from the hospital in early September, Garrett worked his 3,555th game on Opening Night last year, and was honored during intermission ceremonies. Garrett was also subsequently honored by the CHL, with the creation of an award in his honor, presented to the league’s “Equipment Manager of the Year.”

The Ice Bats also would like to welcome Jason Carr as the team’s new Athletic Trainer. A product of Manchester College in North Manchester, Indiana, Carr has lived in the Austin area since 2003, and has served as a Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and martial arts coach. Carr will assume his duties with the Ice Bats beginning in October.