'Catters Lose 5-3 in Season Finale

April 5, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Estero, FL-As was the case Friday night, the Texas Wildcatters were unable create history as they lost 5-3 at the hand of their division rival Florida. The Wildcatters were met by a fierce Everblades team with nothing to lose, and although Saturday's game meant nothing in the playoff race, pride definitely played a major role.

The Wildcatters got on the board first as newcomer Toby LaFrance netted a wrist shot from the top of the left face-off circle. John McNabb found LaFrance breaking down the far side of the ice and fed him a beautiful pass in-stride. Dan Welch was also credited with an assist on the power-play goal. At the 8:43 mark, only a minute and a half later, Texas would take a commanding 2-0 lead. Dan Welch took advantage of the ‘Catters' second power play and slammed home a slap shot from the top of the point. Max Taylor screened Everblades Goalie Kevin Nastiuk, disallowing him the ability to track the puck. Cleve Kinley assisted on the play. However, the Everblades would fight back. At the 17:32 mark Jarret Lukin got Florida on the board. Ryan Van Buskirk and Brad Zancanaro collected assists for the Everblades.

Florida's momentum carried into the second period. Preston Callander one-timed the equalizing goal only 1:54 into the period. Adam Taylor carried the puck into the offensive zone and found his teammate standing unmarked at the top of the crease. However, the score didn't remain tied for long. Toby Lafrance scored his second goal of the night after Texas' defense did a good job of denying the Florida breakout. Tim Cook cleared a loose puck to teammate Jordan Morrison who transitioned the puck through the middle of the ice and found LaFrance streaking along the boards. LaFrance made a nifty move, forcing Nastiuk out of position before burying the puck in the far corner. Merely minutes later, Florida tied the game at 3 after Peter Aston beat Texas Goalie Kris Tebbs for his first goal of the season.

The intensity really picked up in the third period. Florida tightened up defensively and forced Texas to into several key turnovers. J.B. Bittner broke the 3-3 tie, netting Florida's fourth goal at the 3:15 mark. Nearly 3 minutes later, Troy Riddle found himself skating towards Nastiuk all alone. David Cornacchia chased but was unable to make a clean defensive play, thus giving Riddle a penalty shot opportunity. Riddle drew Nastiuk to the near post, however, his backhand shot missed just wide. Texas' woes continued as they failed to score even with a 2 man advantage. Brad Herauf pushed the score to 5-3 late in the third period as he collected the puck coming out of the penalty box. Texas made one final effort to pull back into the game by pulling Tebbs with 3-plus minutes left in the game. However, the ‘Catters were unable to capitalize on the man advantage.

The loss is only Texas' second regulation loss to Florida this season. Texas (52-9-4-7) finished tied with Cincinnati (55-12-1-4) for the overall points total with 115. However, by having more wins the Cyclones claim the 2007-2008 Brabham Cup.

Both teams finished one point shy of tying the ECHL single season record set by the Louisiana Ice Gators in 2002.

The Wildcatters return to Ford Arena for the first two games of the Kelly Cup South Division Quarterfinals versus the Mississippi Sea Wolves Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday April 10. Game time each night is 7:05.

Kelly Cup playoff packages and individual tickets are now available, call the Wildcatters at (409) 951-5500 to secure your seat as the ‘Catters go deep!

The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL's Houston Aeros!



ECHL Stories from April 5, 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.

OurSports Central