Wildcatters Weekly

Published on November 27, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Fort Myers, FL (November 27, 2006) The Texas Wildcatters enter the week with a 11-2-2-0 record after winning a team record five games in a row. The 'Catters are 4-0 on their current seven game road trip. Texas leads the American Conference with 24 points and has the best winning percentage in the ECHL. Kevin Baker leads the Wildcatters with 13 goals and 24 points. He also leads the ECHL in power play goals with 9 and is second in the league in goals scored. He has scored at least one point in every Wildcatters game this season. Olivier Proulx has a league best seven game goal scoring streak. Goaltender Matt Yeats won the first three games on the road trip and Miroslav Kopriva won his start on Sunday. Marco Rosa became the first Wildcatter to be called up to AHL affiliate Houston. Rosa was recalled on Thursday and in two games with the Aeros he has one goal and one assist. Rosa scored the game winning goal in the Aeros 6-1 Win over Grand Rapids yesterday.

This Week's Games

Tuesday, November 28, Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2 at Florida 6:30 p.m. CT

Two of the top three teams in the American Conference collide this week in Southwest Florida as the red hot Wildcatters take on the Florida Everblades. The 'Catters are two points ahead of Florida in the South Division. Texas and Florida split the first series which took place on October 20 and 21 in Florida. The 'Catters won on opening night five to two over the Everblades. Forward Jonathan Lehun leads the 'Blades in scoring with 15 points. Goaltenders Craig Kowalski and David Shantz have split time this season for Florida. Kowalski has a GAA of 2.13 and Shantz has a 2.36 GAA.

Last week - Wildcatters Win All Four Games on First Leg of Road Trip

Wednesday, November 22 at South Carolina 5-3 Win

The Texas Wildcatters began their seven game road trip with a 5 to 3 win at South Carolina in front of 4,223 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Jason Beeman scored the game winner for Texas in a spectacular solo effort in the third period to give the Wildcatters the lead for good. Beeman took a shot from the top of the left circle then got his own rebound and shed three Stingray defenders to beat goaltender Daren Machesny. It was Beeman's first professional regular season goal. Matt Yeats was key in goal stopping 32 South Carolina shots for his seventh victory of the season. Kevin Baker continued his point scoring streak as he assisted on Mike Bayrack's empty net goal. Brandin Cote, Paul Albers and Olivier Proulx scored for the Wildcatters in the victory.

Friday, November 24 at Columbia 3-1 Win

The Texas Wildcatters continued their winning ways as Brandin Cote scored two first period goals helping the 'Catters defeat the Columbia Inferno 3 to 1 in front of 3,043 at the Carolina Coliseum. Olivier Proulx continued his goal scoring streak. Proulx lit the lamp in the second period to increase the 'Catters lead to 3 to 0. Columbia would score a late goal, but Matt Yeats earned his eighth win of the season stopping 36 shots. Kevin Baker continued his point streak.

Saturday, November 25 at South Carolina 5-4 Win

The Texas Wildcatters on the strength of five different goal scorers defeated the South Carolina Stingrays by a score of 5 to 4 in front of 4,966 at the North Charleston Coliseum. Leon Hayward, Olivier Proulx, Mark Rooneem, Mike Bayrack and Daniel Sparre scored for the Wildcatters in the victory. Proulx's goal scoring streak continued. Kevin Baker also continued his point scoring streak. Matt Yeats made 25 saves to earn his league leading ninth win for the Wildcatters. Goaltender Yeats stopped Stingrays forward Evan Schwabe on a breakaway to help seal the victory. The win marks the first time in Texas Wildcatters history that the team has won four consecutive games.

Sunday, November 26 at Augusta 5-2 Win

The Texas Wildcatters (11-2-2-0) remain perfect on their seven game road trip after a convincing 5 to 2 win against the Augusta Lynx in front of a crowd 2,014 at James Brown Arena. Olivier Proulx bested teammate Kevin Baker's earlier league best goal scoring streak of six as he scored the game winning goal in the second period. Proulx increased his goal scoring streak to seven games and added an empty net goal in the victory. The 'Catters now have the most points in the American Conference at 24. Goaltender Miroslav Kopriva got his fourth start of the year and won for the first time on the road, stopping 43 Augusta shots. Jason Beeman opened the scoring just 1:22 into the game with his second goal of the season. Mike Bayrack would follow just 27 seconds into the second period to give the 'Catters a 2-0 lead. Proulx would get the eventual game winner at 3:25 of the second and Kevin Baker netted goal number 13 to tie him for the league lead. Texas went 1 for 6 on the power play and stopped Augusta on all nine of their power play chances.

Upcoming Home Games at Ford Arena

Thursday, Dec. 7 vs. Charlotte 7:05 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 8 vs. Charlotte 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 9 vs. Charlotte 7:05 p.m.

Wildcatters in the Community

This week while the 'Catters are on the road; Wildcatters staff will be delivering Valero Skate and Educate awards to area schools. Skate and Educate awards are given to students who excel in their studies.

Wildcatters on the Air

ESPN Radio 1450 am The Ticket is the exclusive home for Texas Wildcatters Hockey all season long. Join the "Voice of the Wildcatters" Anthony Langella, Jr. for all the play-by-play action. The Wildcatters Warm-up show will begin 20 minutes prior to opening face-off. You can also catch the action at www.wildcattershockey.com by clicking on the listen to the ticket link on the left side of the home page. Select games are also available to view for a fee on the B2 Networks by clicking on the link at the left of the Wildcatters homepage.

Ticket Information

The Texas Wildcatters are the ECHL affiliate for the AHL's Houston Aeros. The Wildcatters begin a three game on Thursday, December 7 vs. the Charlotte Checkers. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. 2006-07 Season Tickets are still available. Wildcatters' season tickets start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. Group discount plans are also available by calling (409) 951-5500. For single game tickets stop by the Ford Park Box Office, call (409) 951-5440 or log on to ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit the Wildcatters online at www.wildcattershockey.com.

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ECHL Stories from November 27, 2006


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