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Wildcatters Weekly

March 13, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX (March 13, 2007) After a 3-1-0 record last week, The Texas Wildcatters are in first place in the American Conference's South Division with a record of 35-19-9 for 79 points. Texas begins a six game home stand this Friday, March 16 against Augusta. Forward Mike Bayrack leads the Wildcatters in scoring with 71 points while Kevin Baker is number one on the team with 31 goals. Goaltender Matt Yeats has started 24 consecutive games and is near the top of ECHL goaltenders with 27 wins.

This Week's Games

Friday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 17 at 7:05 p.m. vs. Augusta

The Wildcatters start the six game home stand against the Augusta Lynx. Texas is 1-0-1 against Augusta at home this season and 2-1-2 in the five overall meetings this season. The Lynx comes in with a record of 33-25-3 for 69 points. They are currently in fourth place in the South Division. Augusta is led by forward Louis Goulet who has 57 points in 60 games this season. Rookie goaltender Dave McKee is 26-14-2 and has a 3.39 GAA.

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. It is also St. Patrick's Day. In honor of the holiday, green beer from Miller Lite will be available for purchase.

Friday, Mar. 23 - Time Warner Night

Saturday, Mar. 24 - Better Housing Night and 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. The Bridge City Strutters from Bridge City High School will be performing at the game.

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).

"Tip-A-Catter" Coming on Monday, March 26

The Wildcatters trade in their skates for a good cause as they present "Tip-A-Catter." The Wildcatters players will be your celebrity waiters at Johnny Carino's on Monday, March 26 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are just $12 and each ticket will receive one entrée. You can purchase your tickets at the Fan Information Booth at all home games or call the Wildcatters at 409-951-5500. All gratuities and a portion of the meal proceeds will benefit charity.

Last week - Wildcatters Finish Trip out West with a 3-1-0 record

Tuesday, March 6 at Phoenix 7-3 Win

Daniel Sparre netted his second hat trick of the season and Brandin Cote added two goals as the Wildcatters made it two wins in a row with a 7-3 victory against the Phoenix Roadrunners in front of 2,884 at USAirways Center. The 'Catters dominated the first two periods as Phoenix registered only 11 shots and constantly struggled to get the puck out of their defensive zone. The 'Catters netted the game's first goal just 54 seconds in as Olivier Proulx scored goal number 23 on the season. Leon Hayward scored his 19th goal of the campaign 4:17 into the first, a power play goal from Mike Madill and Brandin Cote to make it 2-0. 47 seconds after, Sparre scored his first of the night and Texas led 3-0 after one period. Sparre scored the lone second period goal with help from Mark Rooneem and Jonathan Paiement on the power play to make it 4-0 Wildcatters after two periods. The Roadrunners looked like a different team for the first couple minutes of the third period, scoring twice in the first 2:15 to cut the lead to 4-2, but Cote tallied two goals and Sparre finished the scoring with his third goal for the hat trick.

Thursday, March 8 at Phoenix 4-0 Win

Matt Yeats made 20 saves for his fourth shut out of the season and Olivier Proulx added a goal and an assist as the Wildcatters defeated the Phoenix Roadrunners 4-0 in front of 2,897 at US Airways Center. Proulx, Colin Nicholson, Daniel Sparre and Paul Albers tallied goals for the 'Catters who have now won three consecutive games to move back into first place, a point ahead of the Florida Everblades. After a scoreless first period, Proulx started the scoring in the second at the 1:34 mark to give Texas a 1-0 lead. Proulx jammed in the puck in front of the net to beat Roadrunners goaltender Mike Morrison. At the 8:21 mark, rookie Colin Nicholson connected for his third goal of the year as Jason Beeman circled the net, taking a sharp angle shot as Nicholson hammered home the rebound. Daniel Sparre followed with his fourth goal in two games two minutes after Nicholson's tally and the 'Catters led 3-0 after two periods. Paul Albers finished the scoring as Brandin Cote screened goaltender Morrison and Albers beat the goaltender from the left circle to make it 4-0.

Friday, March 9 at Las Vegas 4-0 Win

Captain Brandin Cote had a goal and an assist and goaltender Matt Yeats made 24 saves as the Wildcatters won for the fourth consecutive time, shutting out the Las Vegas Wranglers 4-0 in front of 4,705 at Orleans Arena. It was the third shut out in the last four games for Yeats. The 'Catters after a Florida win earlier moved back into first place in the South Division. Mark Rooneem opened the scoring in the first period with his ninth goal of the season with help from Steve Mullin. The 'Catters piled on three tallies in the second period. Mike Bayrack netted his 29th goal tipping in Brandin Cote's shot on the power play 4:29 in. Then, Olivier Proulx beat Wranglers goaltender Mike McKenna on the power play at the 8:17 mark. Cote would follow with his 24th of the year, a shorthanded goal and Texas blanked Las Vegas 4-0. The 'Catters scored four goals on 19 shots on goaltender Mike McKenna who leads the ECHL in goals against average and save percentage. Kevin Nastiuk replaced him and stopped all 12 Wildcatters shots he faced. In his 23rd consecutive start, Matt Yeats earned his fifth shut out of the season.

Saturday, March 10 at Las Vegas 4-3 Loss

The Wildcatters scrapped their way back with three unanswered goals, but the Las Vegas Wranglers held off Texas 4-3 in front of 4,986 at Orleans Arena. The Wranglers scored the first four goals of the game, including three in the first period 4:25 apart as Adam Cracknell, Arpad Mihaly and Joe Tallari netted goals to give Las Vegas a 3-0 lead after the first period. Matt Yeats who made his 24th consecutive start was pulled after giving up three goals in the first and replaced by Danny Taylor who made his first appearance in a Wildcatters uniform. Ryan Donally scored 14:06 into the second to make it 4-0 Las Vegas. The 'Catters clawed back and Colin Nicholson and Mark Rooneem scored to make it 4-2 after two periods. Mike Bayrack cut the lead to 4-3 with a power play goal, his 30th goal of the season. The Wranglers held on as Texas had a late power play and pulled the goaltender for the extra attacker, but Wranglers goaltender Kevin Nastiuk made some big saves down the stretch. The Wildcatters out shot Las Vegas 35-22 and the Wranglers had just one shot in the third period.

Wildcatters Itinerary (All Times are Central)

Monday, Mar. 12 Travel Day

Tuesday, Mar. 13 Practice at Ford Arena, 3 p.m.

Wednesday, Mar. 14 Practice at Ford Arena, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Mar. 15 Practice at Ford Arena, 10 a.m.

Friday, Mar. 16 Pre-Game Skate, 10 a.m. @ Ford Arena

GAME vs. Augusta, 7:30 p.m. @ Ford Arena

Saturday, Mar. 17 Pre-Game Skate, 10 a.m. @ Ford Arena

GAME vs. Augusta, 7:05 p.m. @ Ford Arena

Sunday, Mar. 18 Day off

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.

Roster Moves

Defenseman Derick Martin was traded from Columbia in exchange for Brendan Cook who was acquired from Utah for James Sanford.

Goaltender Danny Taylor was reassigned by the Los Angeles Kings through the Wheeling Nailers.

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' 2007-08 season tickets are now on sale. They start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. It's not too late to bring out your group to see exciting Wildcatters hockey. Group Tickets and Flex Ticket Packages are 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.



ECHL Stories from March 13, 2007


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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