Rookie Scores Twice as Catters Toast Checkers 4-3
January 20, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Charlotte, NC- Scott Champagne scored two goals, including the third period game-winner, as the Texas Wildcatters beat the Charlotte Checkers 4-3 Sunday afternoon at Charlotte Bobcats Arena.
The Texas power play got things rolling early in the game as Danny Welch scored his tenth of the season on a play assisted by Max Taylor and Brandon Benedict at 14:29 of the first period to give the Catters the 1-0 lead at the first intermission.
Dallas Steward got the equalizer for the Checkers to kick off the second period at 9:17, but Moises Gutierrez would get his second goal in as many nights to regain the lead for Texas 2-1 at 11:34. Gutierrez' sixth goal of the year was assisted by John McNabb, the first Wildcatter to reach the 50-point threshold this season (19g-31a).
Michael Busto would tie the game a second time with his second goal of the season at 13:14, beating Texas goalie Jeff Pietrasiak to make the score 2-2.
Champagne broke the tie with his first goal of the game at 16:32 to give the Catters a 3-2 lead entering the third frame. Welch would get his second point of the night with an assist on the play.
Champagne would find the back of the net for the 11th time this season to give the Catters a two-goal lead at 6:03 of the third period. Benedict would get his second assist of the game on the play and Kevin Baker would add a helper as well.
Ryan Murphy would bring the Checkers within one goal but Pietrasiak, who was solid with 20 saves, would withstand a last-minute attack as Charlotte goalie Chris Holt left the ice for an extra attacker at 19:37.
The Wildcatters finished the game 1-for-4 on the power play while holding the Checkers scoreless in six attempts.
The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the AHL's Houston Aeros and the NHL's Minnesota Wild. The Catters return home for a six-game home stand beginning January 25. Book your group now, call 409.951.5500!
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