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Wildcatters drop finale to Gwinnett 3-2 in shootout

December 2, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX--The Texas Wildcatters came inches from a perfect weekend Sunday, dropping the finale in a three-game series to the Gwinnett Gladiators 3-2 in a shootout.

Scott Champagne got the scoring started for the Wildcatters with a power play goal at 10:45 of the first period. Assisting on the play were Max Taylor and David Schulz. The goal was Champagne's third point in four games against Gladiators this season (2g-1a).

Danny Welch scored another power play goal at 19:17, his fifth of the year, to give the 'Catters a 2-0 lead heading to the first intermission.

The Texas defense, augmented by the reassignment of John Adams from AHL Houston prior to the game, held the powerful Gwinnett offense to only four shots on goaltender Peter Aubry in the first frame.

Gwinnett, who boasts the top power play in the ECHL, got their first power play opportunity of the game six minutes into the second period when Jordie Preston was called for roughing. They were able to capitalize with a Mike Hamilton goal at 6:56 to reduce the 'Catters lead to 2-1.

Aubry saw significantly more rubber in the second period as Gwinnett outshot Texas 16-7 in the frame. Aubry controlled rebounds well but received some help from the goal post as Jeff Campell rang one off the glove side iron during the only other Gwinnett power play of the stanza.

With both teams showing wear from a hard-fought weekend, it would take another Gwinnett power play to knot the score at two. Mike Vigilante finished off a beatiful play, slamming home a centering pass from Derek Nesbitt at 3:21 of the third period to tie the game.

Gwinnett would have one more power play chance before time expired in regulation as Preston was whistled for a penalty at 19:33. Aubry would make several miraculous saves late in regulation and the first 90 seconds of the extra frame to extend the game for Texas. The veteran would finish the game with 37 saves and be named second star.

In the shootout, the two teams would remain even through four shooters as Gwinnett got goals from Derek Nesbitt and Jeff Campbell, and John McNabb and Ross Carlson scored for the 'Catters.

Jonathan Paiement, the final Texas shooter, would beat Kowalski but have the puck roll just off his stick before he could get the shot off. Mike Hamilton would snipe a shot past Aubry on his blocker side to send the Gladiators to their first win in Ford Arena since Dec. 5, 2004.

Gwinnett (12-5-0-1=25 pts) climbs to 1-3-1 on the season versus the Wildcatters in comparison to 10-0-0 against the remainder of South Division opponents.

Texas (14-2-0-4=32 pts) gains a point thanks to Sunday's virtual tie and increases their South Division lead to six points over the Florida Everblades (13-6-0 =26 pts).

The Wildcatters return to action in Ford Arena next weekend as the Pensacola Ice Pilots make their first trip to Texas this season for a three-game series. The Ice Pilots (3-12-1-1= 8 pts) are currently last in the division.

Game time Friday is 7:30, 7:05 Saturday, and 4:05 Sunday. Log on to wildcattershockey.com for ticket and promotions information or call (409) 951-5500.

The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL's Houston Aeros! Book your group now with the Wildcatters, discounts and group leader incentives begin at 10 people!

The ECHL "The Premier 'AA' Hockey League" has affiliations with 26 of the 30 in the National Hockey League marking the 11th consecutive season that the league has had affiliaitions with at least 20 teams in the NHL.



ECHL Stories from December 2, 2007


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