Wildcatters' unbeaten streak hits 14 with 3-2 win
December 15, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release
Estero, Fl-- The Texas Wildcatters unbeaten streak hit fourteen games Saturday night, sweeping the Florida Everblades and earning their sixth straight win with a 3-2 victory.
Brandon Benedict stayed hot with a goal and two assists and Kevin Baker scored for the second straight night as the 'Catters outshot the 'Blades 42-25.
Baker began the scoring for Texas, netting his third point since his return to Texas yesterday just 1:16 into the game. Scott Champagne got his second point in as many nights and Benedict would collect the first of his two assists on the play.
Ryan Van Buskirk set off a teddy bear explosion when he lit the lamp for Florida on the power play at 10:41 to kick off the annual Teddy Bear Toss promotion. Fans rained stuffed animals on the ice for charity following the first Florida goal of night.
Entering the second period tied 1-1, Benedict would put the 'Catters ahead with a short handed tally at 3:15. Ross Carlson would collect an assist and Peter Aubry would notch the first point by a Texas goalie this season on the play.
The Wildcatters would jump to a 3-1 lead when John McNabb found the back of the net for the 13th time this season. Benedict would collect his third point of the night with an assist on the play and Max Taylor would continue to be a solid contributor on the red-hot Texas offense with an assist on the play as well.
Despite being outshot by Texas 18-7 in the second period, Florida would close the gap to 3-2 when a shot ricocheted off of Brad Herauf's right shin pad and into the net with 26 ticks remaining in the frame.
Texas would continue to dominate the action in the third period, outshooting the home team 14-8 and hold on for the one-goal victory.
Herauf, apparently frustrated with the outcome and angry over a Dan Welch hit that knocked Florida forward Brad Zancanaro from the game early on, dropped the gloves with Welch as time expired. Herauf was assesed an minor penalty for instigating and was ejected from the game for his actions.
With the victory, the Wildcatters keep their distance from a second place Gwinnett team that has won seven straight. Texas' 44 points (20-2-0-4) lead the ECHL. Texas has not lost in regulation for fourteen games, a season high.
The Wildcatters return home for a three-game series versus the Mississippi Sea Wolves beginning Thursday, Dec. 20. Their own version of the Teddy Bear Toss will occur Saturday, Dec. 22 as fans are encouraged to bring unwrapped stuffed animals to throw onto the ice following the first Wildcatters goal of the evening. Call (409) 951-5500 for tickets and information.
The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the AHL's Houston Aeros and the NHL's Minnesota Wild. Book your next group outing or Holiday Party with the Wildcatters by calling (409) 951-5500!
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