Sports stats

\'Blades Burned by Baker, Catters Sweep Series with Fierce 4-1 Win

February 2, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX- Kevin Baker scored twice, Jeff Pietrasiak stopped 40 shots, and the two teams combined for 38 infractions and 114 penalty minutes as the Catters (34-4-3-4) swept the Florida Everblades (24-18-4-0) with a 4-1 win Saturday night.

Dan Collins scored on the first Florida shot of the night, a soft floater that snuck past Pietrasiak at 1:39 of the period to give the visitors the early lead. Pietrasiak would stop the next 40 pucks fired at him and secure his third win as a Wildcatter.

Baker and the rejuvenated Texas power play would knot the game at 1-1 at 5:23 of the frame when Dan Welch hit Baker with a cross ice pass which the fan-favorite forward blasted past Justin Peters for the equalizer. Max Taylor, who had three points on the night, would also be credited with an assist.

Emotions ran high throughout the first period as the teams would combine for fifteen infractions and two fights. Former NHL player Brad Brown would take a pummeling from Riley Emmerson at the game's opening face off and Mike Grenzy would drop the gloves with Brad Herauf at 12:09.

The second period saw continued physical play as Emmerson went rounds with Ryan Van Buskirk at 6:37, but the goalkeeping prowess of Pietrasiak and Peters would be the story. Pietrasiak would handle 16 Florida shots while Peters made 10 saves. A scrum in the corner after the buzzer, however, would indicate further fireworks to come in the game's final frame.

The game would be tied until Baker scored his second of the game and 12th of the season at 7:19 of the third period. Taylor and John McNabb would be given assists on the play.

Taylor would get the insurance goal at 12:05 and Scott Champagne would break open what was a tightly contested game with a beautiful move to make the score 4-1 at 17:38.

John Adams and Ernie Hartlieb fought at 15:38 and Matt Kassian would punish David Cornacchia for a dirty hit on Morton Madsen at 19:02 in the game's final altercation.

The Texas penalty kill was stifling, shutting out the Florida power play on nine chances. The Wildcatters power play continued to produce, going 1-for-5.

The first place Catters hit the road for a long trip that takes them to the Carolinas before heading northward to face several North Division teams.

The Catters return home for a three-game series beginning Feb. 22 and featuring the Feb. 23 "Pink in the Rink" breast cancer fundraiser!

Call 409.951.5500 for ticketing, promotions, and scheduling information or log on to www.wildcattershockey.com.



ECHL Stories from February 2, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Texas Wildcatters Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central