Branham Back in Black and Gold
August 27, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
BEAUMONT, TX (August 27, 2004) â Texas Wildcatters Head Coach Robert Dirk announced today that the team and defenseman Tim Branham have agreed to terms for the 2004-05 season. As per club policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The 6-foot, 195-pound Branham, who is 23 years old, played the first 22 games with the Wildcatters before being called up to the Portland Pirates of the AHL for the rest of the season. For the second consecutive season he started in the ECHL and made the jump to the AHL for the second half of the year. The previous season he played for Johnstown to begin the year and finished the season with the Saint John Flames.
"I had a great time in Portland, the hockey was really good and I gained some additional experience which will help me this season," said Branham. "With the potential lockout there are not as many openings in the AHL and signing with Texas allows me the opportunity to receive quality ice time and further develop as a player."
Branham, an Eagle River, WI, native played his junior career in the Ontario Hockey League winning the Ontario Hockey League Championships with Barrie Colts in 1999-00. Branham played a total of 167 games in the OHL and tallied 72 points with Barrie and the Guelph Storm.
"I am very happy to have Tim back with the club, he was missed after he was called-up to Portland last season," said Dirk. "He will help to solidify the defense core for the upcoming season. I expect Tim to be one of our leaders this year on and off the ice."
The Wildcatters will open their second season on the road against the defending ECHL Eastern Conference Champion Florida Everblades. The home opener is Saturday, October 30 against the Louisiana IceGators. Season tickets for the 2004-05 season are now on sale. For as little as $50.00, you can reserve your seat for the second year of Wildcatters hockey in Southeast Texas. For more information about the Wildcatters, log on to www.wildcattershockey.com or call (409) 951-5500.
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ECHL Stories from August 27, 2004
- Mizzi acquired by Bombers - Dayton Bombers
- Branham Back in Black and Gold - Texas Wildcatters
- Wheelers come to terms with Jaffray, Reynolds - Wheeling Nailers
- Bullies Close To NHL Affiliation - Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies
- Stingrays Plan To Visit Edisto Island Serpentarium - South Carolina Stingrays
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