Wildcatters Dig Deep For 4-3 Win Over Glads
December 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Beaumont, TX--The Texas Wildcatters overcame a roster depleted by injury and call-ups to come from behind and beat the Gwinnett Gladiators 4-3 for their second thrilling victory in as many nights.
As was the case Friday night, Gwinnett would get on the board first as Derek Nesbitt beat Texas started Anton Khudobin just 1:38 into the contest. Unlike Friday, Texas would register two first period goals of their own to take a 2-1 lead to the break.
Marc Fulton got the 'Catters rolling with a goal less than a minute later to tie the game at one, and Ross Carlson would slam home a rebound at 5:45 to give Texas the 2-1 lead. Fulton and Mike Grenzy would collect assists on the play.
The first period was free-wheeling and physical as referee Tyler Johnson did not call any penalties in the first frame. The two teams would return to a different atmosphere in the second period, racking up a combined 27 penalty minutes.
Gwinnett would take advantage of one such Texas penalty to tie the game with a Jeff Campbell power play goal just 1:48 into the second period, and then take the lead with a Jamie Milam tally at 4:24. Milam's goal was his sixth of the season, but his fifth in only four games against the 'Catters this seson.
John McNabb would net his eleventh goal of the season at 7:57, ending a three-game goal-scoring drought and bringing his team-leading points total to 26 (11g-15a), tying him for second in the ECHL.
Entering the third period tied 3-3, Fulton would be the one to put Texas over the top with his second goal of the game at 12:29, creating space in front of the net and beating Gwinnett goalie Dan Turple with a sharp wrist shot with what would prove the game winner.
Gwinnett would mount one final attack as Jonathan Paiement, who finished the game with three assists, would be called for hooking with a minute to go in the period's only penalty and put the Wildcatters down a man. Turple would be pulled for an extra attacker but Gwinnett, who boasts the best power play in the league at 23.3% would be stymied by the tenacious Texas penalty kill until time expired.
Khudobin remains unbeaten in regulation, raising his season record to 6-0-3 and hold position among the ECHL's top goalies with a GAA of 1.70 and save percentage of .946.
Texas claimed the victory without the services of two of their top four scorers, rookies Danick Bouchard, Brandon Benedict, each out with injuries. A.J. Thelen also missed due to injury and John Adams joined the numerous Wildcatters currently with AHL Houston prior to the game.
The Wildcatters and Gladiators conclude their three-game series Sunday at 4:05 at Ford Park Arena. Children 12 and under get Mezzanine tickets for just $6!
The Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the AHL's Houston Aeros and the Minnesota Wild of the NHL. Book your group with the 'Catters today!
ECHL Stories from December 2, 2007
- Condors Fall in Overtime to Falcons, 4-3 - Bakersfield Condors
- Leisenring Caps Falcons Rally with Overtime Winner - Fresno Falcons
- ECHL Transactions - ECHL
- Gladiators Weekly Update - Atlanta Gladiators
- Roadrunners work overtime for 3 points in Canada - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Nailers slip on home ice against Royals - Wheeling Nailers
- Wildcatters drop finale to Gwinnett 3-2 in shootout - Texas Wildcatters
- Gladiators beat Texas in SO, 3-2 - Atlanta Gladiators
- Weekly arrowhead - Johnstown Chiefs
- Falcons sign former fourth overall draft choice - Fresno Falcons
- Streaking Grizzlies Home Monday, Tuesday With Phoenix - Utah Grizzlies
- ECHL Today - ECHL
- Falcons Fly Higher Than Condors in Shootout, 7-6, Before 7,207 at The Nest - Bakersfield Condors
- Wranglers Remain Unbeaten In Regulation In Last 12 Games - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Steelheads Emerge With 2-1 Shootout Win Over Wranglers In Series Finale - Idaho Steelheads
- Wildcatters Dig Deep For 4-3 Win Over Glads - Texas Wildcatters
- Gongalsky Lifts Falcons Past Condors in Shootout - Fresno Falcons
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.
