hockeyfan

Just a reminder that the draft is tonight(9/21) at 8:30pm CDT. Please arrive at least 10 minutes early since your draft will start promptly at the assigned time. You can rank your players up until 45 minutes before your draft. The draft order will be randomly determined approximately 30 minutes before the draft begins. If you cannot make it for the draft, then your players will be picked automatically, according to their rankings.

[Hidden Content] BEAUMONT, TX (September 20, 2007) – The Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that the team has signed forward Ross Carlson to a contract for the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, terms of the deals were undisclosed. Carlson, 25, enters his first full professional season after four years at the University of Wisconsin, starring on the 2005-06 team that won the NCAA National Championship. While playing for the traditionally defensive-minded Badgers, Carlson tallied 88 points in 126 games (33-55-88). His 16 assists in 2006-07 were within one of his career high of 17 in 2004-05, and came in eight fewer games. “Playing at Wisconsin really taught me how to play defense and still be ready to get into the offensive swing of things,†said Carlson, currently making the drive to Southeast Texas from his Duluth, MN home. “We had great coaches and a strong conditioning program. I’m very grateful for how they helped me prepare for professional hockey.†“Ross is a proven winner from a top program and a fierce competitor,†said Cameron, “He’s got all kinds of talent and just magic puck skills.†Those skills shine in big games. Carlson made national headlines in 2006 for an acrobatic goal versus Maine in the National Semi-Finals, helping the Badgers to a 5-2 victory and eventual national championship. Picked up by Providence of the AHL upon the completion of his college career, Carlson appeared in five AHL games—long enough to make an impression on teammate Marco Rosa, with whom he will be reunited at Houston Aeros training camp in the coming weeks. “[Rosa] had told me, ‘keep an eye on this guy, this guy’s got talent,’†said Cameron, “While Ross was already on my radar, that’s very high praise coming from one of the premier players in this league. We’re happy that he has the opportunity to attend camp with the Aeros and couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to the team.†The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters’ Fifth Anniversary Season! Season Tickets are on sale now, call 951-5500. Don’t miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades! Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals. # # #

BEAUMONT, TX (September 20, 2007) – The Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that former Wildcatter Leon Hayward will be joining the team as a part time assistant coach for the 2007-08 season. Hayward, 28, enjoyed a six-year professional career as a player, splitting time between the ECHL and AHL. In 264 career ECHL games, Hayward earned league-wide respect for his 151 career points (79-72-151) and fiery but fun-loving leadership style in the locker room and on the ice. In 2006-07 Hayward served as Alternate Captain and PHPA representative for the Wildcatters. “Leon is a welcome addition to our staff. He’s just a great guy, he’s won the Kelly Cup and is a former playoff MVP,†said Cameron, “His experience and youth will be invaluable when it comes to helping young players acclimate to the professional game.†“The longer you play, the more you embrace the fact that the call-ups may not come,†said Hayward. Though accumulating 37 points (15-22-35) in 69 regular season and eight playoff games with the Wildcatters, 2006-07 was the first season since his rookie year Hayward did not split time with an AHL club. “As a veteran player you start transitioning into more of a mentoring, leadership role. From there, coaching just seems like the natural progression of things.†Recently married and working a full-time job outside of hockey while residing in Houston, Hayward will travel to Beaumont to join Cameron on the Texas bench for all home games. When the team is on the road Hayward’s duties will focus on video scouting and player analysis. “The position is a great fit because it allows me to see what else is out there without forcing me to say goodbye to hockey altogether,†said Hayward, “How do you say no to staying involved with an organization and a group of players that you know, love and want to help succeed? I couldn’t be more excited.†The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters’ Fifth Anniversary Season! Season Tickets are on sale now, call 951-5500. Don’t miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades! Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.

Dang! >

Ryan Jones posted an update on the Texas Hockey Fan Forum about this season's Golden Triangle Ice Hockey: [Hidden Content]

I stand corrected!! Sabres-Penguins outdoor game is a hot item with 42,000 tickets sold

Sounds like a good game, but I doubt it will sell the tickets that the Heritage Classic sold.

Profiles: Ryan Menei David Schulz

Former teammates Menei and Schulz reunite in Texas for 2007-08 BEAUMONT, TX (September 13, 2007) – The Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that the team signed forward Ryan Menei [meh-NAY] and defenseman David Schulz to contracts for the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, terms of the deals were undisclosed. Menei, 21, an explosive, physical playmaker from Winnipeg, registered 77 points (35-42-77) and 67 PIM in 71 games with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League (WHL) last season. His performance earned him a late-season roster spot with the Muskegon Fury of the United Hockey League (UHL), where in 10 professional games he registered five points (3-2-5). “Ryan was in the top 15 in scoring in the ‘Dub last season, and his Muskegon experience shows me his career is just taking off. He has the potential to be another force on our power play,†Cameron said. “I fell in love with the city and the team after Coach contacted me this summer and started telling me what Beaumont and the Wildcatters are all about,†said Menei, “It’s just an honor to be playing for [Cameron] and with the group of guys that are assembled.†At least one of those new teammates, defenseman David Schulz, will be a familiar face to Menei. They were teammates on the Blades in 2005-06. Schulz, 21, will bring additional size and firepower to the reloaded Wildcatters defensive corps. His 6’4â€, 210 lb. frame will demand attention from opposing forwards while his career-high 23 points (6-17-23) with the Kelowna Rockets (WHL) last season suggest opposing goaltenders would also do well to take note. “David is a big guy, but his game is not limited to the conventional stay-at-home style that you often see from players his size,†said Cameron. “He skates extremely well, will get in on a rush, and makes an outstanding first pass on the breakout. We are very excited to bring him onboard.†“I’ve been training really hard this summer to get ready for camp,†said Schulz, “The guys are bigger, faster, and stronger—especially in this league—and I can’t wait to get the season going†While Southeast Texas is a far cry from their Saskatchewan home of two years ago, both players are eager to take the next step in their careers and resume the friendship that began in juniors. “Ryan is a great guy, we had a good time back in Saskatoon,†said Schulz, who will be attending training camp with the AHL’s Quad City Flames, “He’s a great teammate and a hard worker.†“I was sad to see Schulzy go,†said Menei, referencing the trade that sent Schulz to Kelowna as last season got underway, “He’s a big, skilled player who plays hard in the corners and in front of the net. I guess that means I better keep my head up in practice,†he added, laughing. Wildcatters training camp begins Thursday, October 4 and includes preseason games in Anchorage, AK on Oct. 10 & 11 before concluding on Oct. 18. Practice sessions at Ford Arena are open to the public. The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters’ Fifth Anniversary Season! Season Tickets are on sale now, call 951-5500. Don’t miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades! Opening Day for the ECHL's 20th Anniversary Season will be Oct. 18 when the Johnstown Chiefs host the Wheeling Nailers at Cambria County War Memorial in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals. # # #

I can't believe the damage that my old hometown, High Island(Go Cards!), took!

WOOHOO! It's been named!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

I hope so! My mom will freak out if I'm correct about "Humberto" coming here. ;D

Coop, which storm will be named first? ??? Will this one strengthen enough to be named? ??? When is the next advisory? ??? Why am I asking questions? ???

Now I said at the beginning of the season that Humberto would come here... ...and dangit I have to be right!! > C'mon....just make a minimal T-storm(before any others do!).... GO! GO! GO!

BEAUMONT, TX (September 6, 2007) – The Texas Wildcatters announced Thursday that recently acquired rookie Marc Fulton has been invited to training camp with the NHL's St. Louis Blues. As part of the invitation, Fulton will be participating in an eight-team tournament in Traverse City, MI featuring rookies from different NHL clubs. The tournament runs from September 8-12. "This is an awesome opportunity for Marc," said Wildcatters Head Coach Malcolm Cameron, "It's great that our future 'Catters get this recognition from the highest level. Having exposure to these NHL teams is great for his career goals." Last season, the 24-year old Fulton led Colgate (NCAA) in assists (24) and ranked second in points (15-24-39). The 6-2, 210 lb. right-hander registered 92 career points (35-57-92) in four seasons with the Raiders.

[Hidden Content] BEAUMONT, TX (September 6, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that forward Steve Yetman has been signed to a contract for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed. Just 22 years of age, Yetman is already entering his fourth year of professional hockey. Yetman began last season with the Rockford IceHogs of the UHL before heading to Norway to play with Lillehammer I.K. in the country’s top league. In 20 games with the 1994 Olympic city, Yetman registered 11 goals and 16 assists (11-16-27). While 2007-08 season will be his first in the ECHL, the St. John’s, NF native has registered impressive professional statistics in North America. In two-plus years in the UHL Yetman tallied 101 points in 123 games. He totaled 29 points in 36 games as a rookie with the Kansas City Outlaws in 2004-05 (11-18-29) and followed that by posting career bests in goals (19) assists (41) and points (60) in 74 games with Rockford his sophomore season. Yetman played 13 games and scored 12 points (5-7-12) with Rockford last season before heading to Norway. “I’m very excited to be returning to North America and to be playing for Texas in the ECHL. Norway offered a change of scenery but I’m glad to be back,†Yetman said. “Steve is a very gifted young playmaker,†said Cameron, “He hasn’t even begun to hit his full potential and just gets better and better every year.†Cameron would know, he has been following Yetman’s career for several years and is thrilled to finally see him on his roster. “Steve’s been on my radar for years. He’s just an outstanding player that sees the ice very well. He will have a major, major impact on our power play.†“I like to make things happen on the ice, I like to be a playmaker,†said Yetman about his style of play. “My goal is to help our team win a championship, but personally I just want to work hard and make Malcolm [Cameron] want to put me out there every night.†Yetman will be attending training camp with the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL before reporting to Texas.

[Hidden Content]

[Hidden Content] Defenseman with AHL, Frozen Four savvy signs with Texas BEAUMONT, TX (August 30, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that the defenseman Andy Schneider has been signed to a contract for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed. Schneider, 26, was a four-year standout for the University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux (NCAA) and paramount in their campaign to the 2004-05 NCAA national championship game. The Grand Forks, ND, native was a fifth-round pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2001 NHL entry draft. He spent 50 games with AHL Wilkes-Barre/ Scranton in 2005-06, recording 16 points (3-13-16) and 54 PIM. “Playing in big games, you learn how to handle tough situations and overcome adversity,†Schneider said about his time at UND and in the AHL, “You learn about yourself as a player and become more confident.†“Andy is a big, strong guy with a tremendous amount of experience in big games.†Cameron said, noting that that he was one of the most sought-after players this past offseason. “He has been on my radar for quite some time and we are extremely fortunate to have him on our team.†Reluctantly and graciously likening his style of play to former NHL star Scott Stevens, Schneider says the key to his game is balance and opportunity, “I try to be a good two-way defenseman. It’s important to both play physical on defense but be able to chip in on the offense when you get the chance. [stevens] is certainly a player I admire.†“Andy’s just got a cannon for a shot and will be a presence on both ends of the ice,†said Cameron, “His best days of hockey are ahead of him.†Though bound for Texas, Schneider’s season will begin in an NHL sweater. Rebounding from an upper body injury that kept away from the game last season, the 6-1, 215 lb. blueliner will be attending training camp with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks. “I’m excited just to get back and I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given. The dream is to play in the NHL someday and Texas is a great place to start back on that dream.†The Texas Wildcatters are the proud ECHL affiliate of the Minnesota Wild of the NHL and the AHL’s Houston Aeros. Celebrate the Catters’ Fifth Anniversary Season! Season Tickets are on sale now, call 951-5500. Don’t miss the Home Opener, Saturday, Oct. 27 v. the Florida Everblades!

The Texas Hockey Fan Forum is two years old today! Woohoo! And yes, I still provide a link to SETXsports over there and on the Fanatics site. ;D

The article failed to mention the Las Vegas Wranglers, a AA pro hockey team that is in the SAME LEAGUE as the Wildcatters. In fact, the 'Catters played against Vegas IN Vegas last year. I saw a game in Vegas....the ultimate hockey experience. Everything in that arena was just perfect. Plush seats, great food, and a great team. That why they sell out most games.

HOUSTON, Texas –The Houston Aeros, in conjunction with affiliate Texas Wildcatters and Ford Arena, have announced that they will play the San Antonio Rampage in a pre-season game on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. in Beaumont, Texas at Ford Arena. The Wildcatters are the Aeros’ ECHL affiliate. The teams will play at Laredo Entertainment Center on Friday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. This series against the Rampage marks the sixth consecutive season the teams have faced off during the preseason. “It’s our pleasure to showcase the American Hockey League in other great hockey markets as well,†said Tom Lynn, Aeros General Manager/Minnesota Wild Assistant GM. “This is the perfect opportunity to further cultivate hockey in the great state of Texas.†Tickets, which go on sale on Monday, Sept. 10, are $10 and can be purchased at the Ford Arena box office, at all Ticketmaster locations or by calling Ticketmaster at 713-629-3700. Parking at Ford Arena, 5115 I-10 South, Beaumont, Texas, is $5 in a lot connected to the arena. The back to back games will have both teams traveling a total of 860 miles round-trip, to and from their respective home cities.

I have a poster of the Heritage Classic that was held in Edmonton(my favorite Canadian city). The poster is in French, being as I study French. I also have the DVD of the event, but I never seem to find the time to watch it.

It's that time of year again! I'd like to welcome everyone to join the Yahoo! Fantasy Hockey League. [Hidden Content] or [Hidden Content] League number: 7912 Password to join: fanatic As of right now, the draft date is Friday, September 21 @ 8:30pm.

[Hidden Content] Potent young forward returns for first full season with Wildcatters BEAUMONT, TX (August 23, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that the forward Scott Champagne has been signed for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed. Champagne, 24, joined the Wildcatters late last season after finishing his career at Mercyhurst College (NCAA). The Cornwall, ON native recorded one assist (0-1-1) and two PIM while playing in three games with the Wildcatters. While last season offered a small taste, Wildcatters fans have every reason to expect plenty of production from Champagne in 2007-08. He averaged over a point per game while at Mercyhurst, most recently registering ten goals and 17 assists (10-17-27) in 26 games as a senior. Champagne accumulated an impressive 141 points (46-95-141) in 136 games during his four-year collegiate career. “Scott is a very talented offensive forward, our fans just got a glimpse of that last season,†said Cameron, “He will be very big part of our offense.†During the 2006-07 regular season, the Wildcatters offense tallied 99 goals while on the power play. Cameron expects Champagne to play a key role in helping power play production reach triple digits in 2007-08. “Scott will have a very active role on our special teams. We expect big things from him on the power play.†Though Champagne will technically be an ECHL rookie, the experience of joining the team late last season taught him many of the differences between the college and professional levels. “It was a great opportunity to be able to join the team last season and get a feel for how this works as a pro,†Champagne said, “It’s good to be able to just focus on hockey, but that comes with the reality that your job is on the line every night. I’ve been working hard this summer and am excited to get back after it.â€

Coop, what does football helmets have to do with Paiement signing with the Wildcatters? ???