Wildcatters Weekly

Published on April 2, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Texas Wildcatters News Release


Beaumont, TX (April 2, 2007) The Texas Wildcatters are headed to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The Wildcatters clinched their first ever playoff birth and currently sit in first place, atop the American Conference's South Division. Texas comes into this week with a record of 40-20-9 for 89 points. Forwards Mike Bayrack and Kevin Baker lead the Wildcatters in scoring with 77 points. Baker is number one on the team with 34 goals. Goaltender Matt Yeats is tied for second in the league with 31 wins.

Get 'Catter Crazy for the Playoffs - Buy Playoff Tickets NOW

The Wildcatters will represent Southeast Texas in the Kelly Cup Playoffs for the first time in team history. Playoff Ticket Packages are on sale by calling the Wildcatters at (409) 951-5500. Tickets start at just $11 per game and you can save as much as $4 per game by purchasing a package. The playoff schedule has yet to be determined. Please check echl.com and wildcattershockey.com for all the latest information concerning the upcoming playoffs. Single game tickets will go on sale through Ticketmaster later this week. You can purchase single game tickets from Ticketmaster once they go on sale by calling (409) 833-7747, logging on to ticketmaster.com or by visiting the Ford Park Box Office.

This Week's Games

Wednesday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m. CT at Charlotte

The Wildcatters begin their last road trip during the regular season this Wednesday in Charlotte against the Checkers. Charlotte has won five consecutive games and has clinched a playoff spot. Texas is 3-1-1 against Charlotte this season and is 1-0-1 in the Queen City. The last meeting came on February 10 as six different 'Catters scored goals in the 6-3 win in Charlotte. The Checkers are led by forward Mark Lee who has 23 goals and 54 assists for 77 points. Goaltender Chris Holt has 22 wins and a 3.23 GAA

Friday, April 6 at 6:05 p.m. CT at Columbia

The 'Catters who have had much success in Columbia this year finish the season series against the Inferno. The Wildcatters are 3-0-0 at the Carolina Coliseum and 3-2-1 overall. The last meeting came in Columbia on February 13 as Matt Yeats made 25 saves in a 4-2 Texas win. The Inferno is led by forward Jeff Miles who has 26 goals and 40 assists for 66 points. Goaltender Todd Ford has a 3.04 GAA and a 0.912 save percentage.

Saturday, April 7 at 6:05 p.m. CT at South Carolina

The regular season comes to a close on Saturday night in North Charleston, SC against the Stingrays. South Carolina is three points behind Augusta for the final playoff spot in the South Division. The 'Catters are 3-2-1 against the Stingrays and 2-1-0 at South Carolina this season. The last meeting saw South Carolina shut out the 'Catters 3-0 on February 11. The Stingrays are led by forward Evan Schwabe who has 20 goals and 47 assists for 67 points. Goaltender Davis Parley has played in 59 games this season. He has 31 wins with a 0.901 save percentage.

Last week - Wildcatters Clinch Playoff Berth and Take Back First Place

Friday, March 30 vs. Florida 3-2 Win

Captain Brandin Cote scored two goals and Matt Yeats made 29 saves as the Wildcatters defeated the Florida Everblades 3-2 and clinched a playoff berth for the first time in team history in front of 2,455 at Ford Arena. Not only did the Wildcatters clinch a spot in the playoffs, but Texas moved into first place all alone, one point ahead of Florida. Cote scored the game winning goal, his second of the night, 5:27 into the third period. He deflected Jonathan Paiement's shot from the blue line to beat goaltender Craig Kowalski. Cote also tied the game at two on a power play goal with 5:25 left in the second period. Kevin Baker fed the 'Catters Captain a gorgeous pass from the right wing side to get the score even again. The Everblades led twice in the game as Dustin Johner netted the game's first goal and then Adam Taylor gave Florida the lead at 2-1. Mike Bayrack scored the first Wildcatters goal with just 30 seconds left in the first period. Matt Yeats made a huge save with just 13.2 seconds left on Florida defenseman Mike Card to preserve the 3-2 win.

Saturday, March 31 vs. Florida 4-1 Win

Matt Yeats made 41 saves for his fourth win in a row as the Wildcatters closed out their home regular season schedule with a 4-1 win over the Florida Everblades in front of 3,804 at Ford Arena. Texas didn't waste any time getting started as Allan Sirois scored his first goal as a Wildcatter just 45 seconds into the game to put the Wildcatters ahead 1-0. Four minutes later Ben Thomson tucked in a rebound to make it 2-0 Texas after the first period. Both teams would play a scoreless second period. Florida got on the board as Ernie Hartlieb netted a goal to cut the lead to one in the third. However, the Wildcatters would get two goals in the final minute to secure the victory. Brandin Cote scored his third goal in the last two nights and Kevin Baker added an empty netter as the Wildcatters went on for the 4-1 victory. The crowd of 3,804 was the second largest this season at Ford Arena. Texas closed out the regular season with a home record of 21-8-7, the best in team history.

Wildcatters Itinerary (All Times are Central)

Monday, Apr. 2 Day off

Tuesday, Apr. 3 Practice in Charlotte, 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Apr. 4 Pre-Game Skate, 10:15 a.m. @ Charlotte Bobcats Arena, 10 a.m.

GAME at Charlotte, 6:00 p.m. @ Charlotte Bobcats Arena

Thursday, Apr. 5 Practice at North Charleston Coliseum, 10:00 a.m.

Friday, Apr. 6 Pre-Game Skate, 10:15 a.m. @ North Charleston Coliseum

GAME at Columbia, 6:05 p.m. @ Carolina Coliseum

Saturday, Apr. 7 Pre-Game Skate, 10:15 a.m. @ North Charleston Coliseum

GAME at South Carolina, 6:05 p.m. @ North Charleston Coliseum

Sunday, Apr. 8 Day off

Future Home Games at Ford Arena

2007 Kelly Cup Playoffs

Season Ticket Renewals

Texas Wildcatters 2007-08 Season Tickets are on sale now!!! Current 2006-07 Season Ticket Holders renew from now until June 1st to make sure that you get your Seats for all the exciting action to come in 2007-08. After June 1st, all seats will be open to the public for sale. RENEW TODAY and get 5% off your total Season Ticket Purchase plus the chance to buy additional seats around you for the 2007-08 season. Purchase your season tickets by calling (409) 951-5500 or stopping by the Wildcatters office at Ford Arena.

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 will be in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs. The playoff schedule has yet to be determined. Please visit echl.com or wildcattershockey.com for updates on when the Wildcatters first playoff game will be. Playoff ticket packages are available by calling the Wildcatters at (409) 951-5500. Don't miss any hard-hitting Wildcatters hockey action. Wildcatters' 2007-08 season tickets are also now on sale. They start at just $9 per game and feature numerous benefits including free parking and discounted merchandise. 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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ECHL Stories from April 2, 2007


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