Wildcatters Defeat Gwinnett in OT Again
April 21, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Beaumont, TX (April 20, 2007) Ben Thomson scored the game winning goal at 19:31 of the first overtime to send the Wildcatters to the South Division Finals as Texas beat Gwinnett 2-1 in front of 2,284 at Ford Arena. The Wildcatters defeated the Gwinnett Gladiators three games to one in the best of five South Division Semifinals and will face the Florida Everblades in the best of seven South Division Finals.
The two teams played a scoreless 40 minutes until Kevin Baker lit the lamp for his third goal of the playoffs. Baker netted a power play tally 6:17 into the third period to give the 'Catters a 1-0 lead. Andy Contois answered for Gwinnett at 16:02 of the third period to even the score.
For the second straight time, the game would move to overtime. With just 29 seconds remaining in the first overtime Ben Thomson beat Dave Caruso on the right wing side to send the 'Catters to the next round. Danny Taylor made 38 saves for the Wildcatters in the win while Dave Caruso made 48 saves in the defeat. Gwinnett finished 0 for 5 on the power play while the Wildcatters went 1 for 7.
The Wildcatters will now face the Florida Everblades in the best of seven South Division Semifinals. The schedule is as follows:
Game 1: Tuesday, April 24, 6:30 p.m. CT @ Florida, Germain Arena
Game 2: Wednesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m. CT @ Florida, Germain Arena
Game 3: Friday, April 27, 7:30 p.m. CT @ Texas, Ford Arena
Game 4: Saturday, April 28, 7:00 p.m. CT @ Texas, Ford Arena
Game 5: Monday, April 30, 7:00 p.m. CT @ Texas, Ford Arena
Game 6: Friday, May 4, 6:30 p.m. CT @ Florida, Germain Arena
Game 7: Saturday, May 5, 6:30 p.m. CT @ Florida, Germain Arena
The Kelly Cup Playoffs are in Southeast Texas for the first time in history. The next Wildcatters home games will be Friday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 28 at 8:00 p.m. and if necessary on Monday, April 30 vs. Florida. Playoff ticket packages are available by calling the Wildcatters at (409) 951-5500. For single game playoff tickets stop by the Ford Park Box Office, call (409) 833-7747 or log on to ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit the Wildcatters online at www.wildcattershockey.com. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. Wildcatters' 2007-08 season tickets are also now on sale. They start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. The Texas Wildcatters are the ECHL affiliate for the AHL's Houston Aeros.
ECHL Stories from April 21, 2007
- ECHL Transactions - Apr. 21 - ECHL
- Wildcatters Defeat Gwinnett in OT Again - Texas Wildcatters
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