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Wildcatters Weekly

February 26, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX (February 26, 2007) The Texas Wildcatters are number one in the American Conference with a record of 31-16-5-4 for 71 points. The Wildcatters went 1-2-0 last week, defeating Stockton on Friday night by a score of 2-1. Texas heads out on their second season long seven game road trip and will return home on Friday, March 16 to battle Augusta. The 'Catters had a seven game road trip earlier in the season and went 6-1-0 on the journey through the Carolinas and Florida. Forward Mike Bayrack leads the Wildcatters in scoring with 62 points while Kevin Baker is number one on the team with 30 goals. Goaltender Matt Yeats is near the top of ECHL goaltenders with 23 wins.

This Week's Games

Wednesday, February 28, Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3 at Utah (all games at 8:05 p.m. CT)

The 'Catters begin a season long seven game road trip this week when they visit the Utah Grizzlies of the National Conference. This is the first ever meeting between the Wildcatters and the Grizzlies. Utah has a record of 19-30-2-3. They are currently in last place in the West Division with 43 points. Forward Ryan Kinasewich leads the Grizzlies in scoring with 29 goals and 59 points. Goaltender Rob McVicar has 17 wins in 45 games with a 3.52 GAA and a 0.901 SV%.

Upcoming Promotions

Friday, Mar. 16 and Saturday, Mar. 17 - Clean Sweep the Lynx - Receive $5 off your ticket price with the donation of a cleaning supply when the 'Catters take on the Augusta Lynx. You can see the approved Ronald McDonald House list at www.wildcattershockey.com.

Saturday, Mar. 17 - Burger King Night

Saturday, Mar. 24 - Knock the Socks Off the Gladiators - Receive $5 off your ticket price with the donation of a NEW package of socks or other gently used clothing items benefiting the Ronald McDonald House.

Friday, Mar. 30 - Entergy Night and Project Graduation Night - Call (409) 951-5500 to find out how you can raise money for your Senior Class.

Saturday, Mar. 31 - Neches Federal Credit Union Night and Boy Scout Night - The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive Wildcatters T-Shirts compliments of Neches Federal Credit Union. Call (409) 951-5500 to find out how you can raise money for your Pack/Troop.

Fridays are Student Night with the Wildcatters - High School and College students can purchase tickets for just $10 with their student ID cards (excluding glass seats).

Last week - Wildcatters Compete in Three 1 Goal Games

Friday, February 23 vs. Stockton 2-1 WIN

Matt Yeats made 38 saves and Brandin Cote scored in his return back as the Wildcatters defeated the Stockton Thunder 2-1 in front of 1,813 at Ford Arena. In his first game back with the Wildcatters, Cote scored his 20th goal of the season from Daniel Sparre and Olivier Proulx with 2:45 left in the first period as he beat Stockton goaltender Cam Ellsworth down low to make it 1-0 Texas. Then, at 13:25 of the second period, Jonathan Paiement joined a four on two to tally his fifth goal of the year from Kevin Baker and Mike Bayrack to give the Wildcatters a 2-0 lead after two periods. Mathieu Melanson cut the lead to 2-1 as he scored his first goal in his first professional game, but it wasn't enough as Yeats was strong at the end for the Wildcatters.

Saturday, February 24 vs. Stockton 2-1 Loss

Mathieu Melanson scored both Stockton goals and Devan Dubnyk made 37 saves as the Thunder defeated the Wildcatters 2-1 in front of 2,574 at Ford Arena. The first goal of the game came at the 3:36 mark of the first period as Melanson with the feed from Beau Geisler beat Wildcatters goaltender Matt Yeats. Then at 10:58 of the first period, Melanson struck again with help from Mike Lalonde and Nathan Martz to put Stockton up 2-0 after two periods. The 'Catters looked for some third period magic once again as Daniel Sparre put Texas on the board with his 16th goal of the season, but it wasn't enough as Stockton held on for the win.

Sunday, February 25 vs. Stockton 5-4 Loss

Mike Lalonde scored the game winning goal and added three assists as the Stockton Thunder defeated the Wildcatters 5-4 in front of 1,703 at Ford Arena. The 'Catters trailed several times in the game before evening the score at four with a goal from Daniel Sparre. Lalonde got Stockton the lead back for good at 10:29 of the second period as he beat 'Catters goaltender Matt Yeats. Alex Leavitt, Leon Hayward and Brandin Cote also scored goals for Texas in the loss.

Wildcatters Itinerary (All Times are Central)

Monday, Feb. 26 Day Off

Tuesday, Feb. 27 Travel Day to Utah

Wednesday, Feb. 28 GAME at Utah, 8:05 p.m. @ The E Center

Thursday, Mar. 1 Practice at The E Center, 1 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 2 Pre-Game Skate, 12:15 p.m. @ The E Center

GAME at Utah, 8:05 p.m. @ The E Center

Saturday, Mar. 3 Pre-Game Skate, 12:15 p.m. @ The E Center

GAME at Utah, 8:05 p.m. @ The E Center

Sunday, Mar. 4 Travel Day to Phoenix

Future Home Games at Ford Arena

Friday, Mar. 16 vs. Augusta, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 17 vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 23 vs. Gwinnett, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 24 vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m.

Friday, Mar. 30 vs. Florida, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Mar. 31 vs. Florida, 7:05 p.m.

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 the 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. 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. For those who are out of the area, B2 Networks is now working at Ford Arena and games can be viewed by clicking on the B2 icon on the left side of the Wildcatters homepage.

Ticket Information

The Texas Wildcatters are the ECHL affiliate for the AHL's Houston Aeros. The next Wildcatters home game is on Friday, March 16 vs. Augusta. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. Wildcatters' season tickets start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. Group Tickets and Flex Ticket Packages are available and group discount plans are also available by calling (409) 951-5500. For single game 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.

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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.

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