Sports stats



Texas Wildcatters Weekly

December 1, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


The Wildcatters played four games over five nights during the Thanksgiving Holiday. Wednesday November 26th, the Louisiana IceGators took a bite out of the Wildcatters winning 5-1. John Snowden had the lone goal for Texas in the first period from Tony Lawrence and Cory Morgan. Minutes later Louisiana took a 2-1 lead on goals by Ben Storey and Ben Kilgour. Kilgour's was the game winner, Derek Gustafson turned away 28 shots in the win. While Jason Cugnet had 46 saves in the loss.

On Friday, Texas hosted the Columbus Cottonmouths in their first meeting of the season. Jason Cugnet earned his second win of the season stopping 45 of 47 shots in a 4-2 victory. Morgan opened up the scoring for the Wildcatters at the 2:59 mark in the first with his fifth goal of the season from Snowden and Lawrence. Minutes later, Snowden netted his sixth of the year with assists from Lawrence and Tim Branham, making it 2-0 early in the first. John Morlang would answer back for Columbus scoring two goals, his third and fourth of the season. Snowden broke the tie early in the second when he netted his second goal of the game. Lawrence tallied his third assist of the game on the play along with Morgan. Columbus threatened in the third, but Cugnet stopped all 22 Cottonmouth shots in the period. Newly acquired Lucas Smital closed out the scoring for the Wildcatters with less than a minute to go on an empty net goal from Morgan and Lawrence.

The Texas Wildcatters faced-off against the Columbus Cottonmouths Saturday night for the second time in as many nights at Ford Arena, falling 5-4 in overtime. Morlang opened up the scoring for Columbus late in the first from Colin Pepperall and Kenton Smith. The Wildcatters' Bobby Cunningham would tie the game at one on a power play at the 19:17 mark of the period with his 11th goal of the season. Cunningham broke the tie early in the second when he netted his second goal of the night. Lukas Smital tallied his second assist of the game along with Steve Lowe. Minutes later, John Snowden tacked on his eighth of the year from Lawrence and Morgan, making the score 3-1 early in the second. Brad Voth and Morlang tied the game at three before Smital netted his second goal of the year making the score 4-3. Columbus pulled their goalie and Ray DiLauro tied the game at four with just 3.8 seconds left to force overtime. Just 16 seconds into overtime Marc-Andre Thinel scored the game winner from Matt Shasby.

On Sunday, the Wildcatters were shutout 1-0 by the Louisiana IceGators to finish the weekend 1-1-1. Konstantin Kalmikov scored the only goal of the game on the power play, 33 seconds into the second period. Jamie Johnson and Josh Mizerek assisted on the game winner. It would be enough as Frederic Cloutier stopped all 25 shots he faced for his second shutout of the season. Davis Parley had 44 saves in the loss for the Wildcatters.

Player of the Week Nomination: Rookie Forward John Snowden was nominated for Player of the Week for his performance the week ending November 30th. Snowden had five points including four goals and one assist; he was +4 in the four games last week.

Goalie of the Week Nomination: Jason Cugnet picked up his second win with the Wildcatters with 45 saves against Columbus 11/28/03. He had a 1-1-1 record over the weekend turning away 133 of 145 shots he faced.

Roster Changes: The Wildcatters signed European Forward Lukas Smital to a contract on November 26th. The 29-year-old Smital has experience at the AAA level playing for the Saint-John Flames and Cleveland Barons. He played in 10 games in the AHL and netted 2 goals while with the Flames. The 6'1" 210 pound right wing brings offensive skills to Texas. In four games played he has two goals and two assists.

The Wildcatters released defenseman Keith Cassidy on Sunday November 30th. Forward Justin Cardwell was released today.

Division Collision: 8 games remain of the 17 straight Central Division match-ups. The Wildcatters are currently 4-8-1 in division play. Texas will not play outside of their division until December 21st when they take on the Greenville Grrrowl at Ford Arena. This stretch gives the Wildcatters an opportunity to move-up in the Central Division standings.

Wildcatters Weekly: Join us tonight at The West Bar & Grill from 6:00-7:00 p.m. for "Wildcatters Weekly" live on News Radio Fox 1380. This is a great opportunity for fans to meet some of the players and Head Coach Robert Dirk. Those in attendance are encouraged to ask questions and participate during the show. Tonight's scheduled guests include Wildcatters John Snowden and Cory Morgan as well as Head Coach Robert Dirk.

In The Crease: On Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:30 p.m. join the Wildcatters at Johnny Carino's for the taping of "In the Crease", the monthly television show seen on KBTV NBC 4. Hosted by NBC 4 sports anchor Lennie Ambrose, the show will feature Head Coach Robert Dirk, Wildcatters players and other special guests. Game highlights, a player feature and audience Q&A are all part of the show which will air on Saturday, December 6th at 5:00 p.m.



ECHL Stories from December 1, 2003


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