hockeyfan

BEAUMONT, TX (August 14, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Tuesday that the team has re-signed defenseman Jonathan Paiement to a contract for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed. Paiement, 22, skated in all 72 regular season games and 10 Kelly Cup Playoff games for the Wildcatters in 2006-07. Known for his playmaking ability and special teams play, the 6-1, 200 lb. defenseman registered 43 points (6-37-43) during the regular season and an additional three points (1-2-3) during the Wildcatters’ first ever gambit into the ECHL postseason. “Jonathan was a key component to our success last season. He played like a five-year veteran. I would constantly have to remind myself that he was a rookie,†said Cameron, “I couldn’t get him off the ice, just incredible for a rookie. He was on our top power play and penalty kill units and would regularly play upwards of 25 minutes a game.†Now entering his second season, Paiement appreciates the responsibilities— and benefits— that come with his veteran status. “It’s a different role now, to no longer be a rookie. Some things will be very nice about that,†he said, “But also, since I have played here in Texas and know what to expect throughout the season, want to be able to help some of the new guys. But my style shouldn’t change, I hope to help the team even more this season.†“Paiement and [Keith] McWilliams were arguably the best rookie defensive pairing in the league last year,†Cameron said, “Jonathan is our go-to guy this year on defense. No doubt about it. We can only be excited to watch him continue to improve this season and take us deep into the playoffs.†The Wildcatters’ loss in the Division Finals last May did nothing more than make the Montreal, Quebec native more determined to win the Kelly Cup this season. “Last season making the playoffs was the goal. The only way to look back on this year and not be disappointed is to play well and know we won the championship.†Paiement will be attending training camp with the AHL’s Manitoba Moose before reporting to camp with the Wildcatters on October 4.

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The press conference went well....the three new players were nice. I'll post some photos from the event in a little while.

John McNabb moves from CHL Austin to Beaumont BEAUMONT, TX (August 10, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Friday that the team has signed forward John McNabb to a contract for the 2007-08 season. As per team policy, terms of the deal were undisclosed. McNabb, 29, served as alternate captain for the Austin Ice Bats of the CHL in 2006-07, registering 21 goals and 25 helpers (21-25-46). In three seasons with Austin, McNabb averaged over one point per game, accumulating 189 points (91-98-189) in 174 games. The hill country of Texas was just the most recent stop for the well-traveled veteran winger. McNabb’s resume boasts eight seasons, four different leagues and two continents. McNabb’s professional career began in the ECHL with the Pensacola in 1999-2000. As a rookie, McNabb registered 47 points in 66 regular season games and one playoff appearance. McNabb’s most recent stretch in the ECHL came in 2003-04. Returning from a short stint in Europe, he registered 59 points (29-30-59) in 66 games, splitting time between the Long Beach Ice Dogs and the Florida Everblades. “John is a goal scorer, plain and simple,†said Cameron, “He is opportunistic and gritty. His ability around the net, especially on the power play, is a great addition to this team. He has been an All-star for the last three seasons in the Central League and we anticipate that to continue here.†With 15 shorthanded goals in three seasons with Austin, McNabb’s contributions on special teams have been a hallmark of his professional career. “Without solid special teams you’re not going to win much, especially in the ECHL. I have always enjoyed that role. You need to make the most of your chances whether they come on the power play or a man down.†McNabb played one game for the AHL’s St. John Flames in 2000-01 without registering a point.

Change of location:

Marc Fulton signs on as new Wildcatters gunslinger, will be in Southeast Texas Friday BEAUMONT, TX (August 7, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Tuesday that the team has signed Colgate forward Marc Fulton to a contract for 2007-08. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were undisclosed. 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. “Marc was one of the most sought after rookie forwards this off-season and we feel very fortunate to have him,†Cameron said, “We certainly look forward to him being one of the new young gunslingers down here in Texas.†“It’s very exciting to be moving on to the next level. I really enjoyed my time at Colgate, the coaching staff was great and I really felt I grew as a player,†Fulton said from his Vancouver, BC home on Monday, “I was able to make the most of what came my way and put a few pucks in the net.†Fulton describes himself as an opportunist and playmaker. “You try to set up your teammates as much as you can, but when you’re open you can’t hesitate to take the shot. I don’t consider myself a flashy player, but you just try to make the best of your opportunities.†Fulton will make his first public appearance in Southeast Texas when he joins fellow Wildcatter Brandon Benedict for a 2 pm press conference on Friday, August 10 in the V.I.P. room of Ford Arena. The event is open to the public. The identity of a third player appearing at the Friday press conference will be revealed at the event. [Hidden Content]

As of now, I plan on it. 8)

2006-07 star signs two-way contract with Wildcatters and Houston Aeros BEAUMONT, TX (August 6, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and VP of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Monday that forward Marco Rosa has been signed to a two-way contract between the Wildcatters and their AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros. Rosa, who needs little introduction to Southeast Texas hockey fans, lit up Ford Arena in the first half of 2006-07, racking up 51 points (25-26-51) in only 36 games for the Wildcatters before being called up to AHL Providence. In 43 regular season and playoff games with Providence, Rosa tallied 18 points (8-10-18) “Marco has proven that he can play and be effective at the AHL level, and we couldn’t be happier for him,†said Cameron. “It says a lot about what we have going here in Texas—training and developing players to perform at hockey’s top levels. We’re very happy to be working with Houston on this. It’s what an affiliation is all about.â€

Brandon Benedict among players to be introduced at Friday event BEAUMONT, TX (August 6, 2007) – The Texas Wildcatters announced Monday the team will be hosting a press conference at 2 pm Friday, August 10 in the V.I.P. room of Ford Arena to introduce local media and fans to three new Wildcatters. The event is open to the public. Attending will be forward Brandon Benedict, former Acadia University and Team Canada captain, making his first public appearance as a Texas Wildcatter. Over four seasons with the Acadia (CIS) Axemen, Benedict registered 117 points in 99 games and was captain in 2006-07. More recently, the Avondale, NS native held the captainship for Team Canada at the 2007 World University Games in Turin, Italy, leading the team to its first gold medal in the international competition since 1991. The identity of the second player will be released tomorrow at 2 pm. A third player attending will have his identity disclosed at the event. The press conference will begin promptly at 2 pm with player introductions and opening remarks by Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron. Following the presentation, representatives from the Wildcatters ownership group will address local media and fans and will be available for a question and answer session. The V.I.P. room is located on the arena concourse at the north end of the building.

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It was expected to have this affiliation continue, including the addition of Minnesota. Last season we had Wild prospects(Albers, Emmerson, etc.) on our team, so this season shouldn't be much different in that aspect.

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Posted 10/7/2007: Brandin Cote (F) From Norfolk Admirals (AHL) to SG Cortina Added By: Davide Tuniz, Status: Confirmed

Posted 6/7/2007: Ben Thomson (F) From Texas Wildcatters (ECHL) to EC KAC Klagenfurt Added By: Davide Tuniz, Status: Confirmed

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I hear that a good goalie is to be announced soon....

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And the latest: Posted 14/6/2007: Derick Martin (D) From Texas Wildcatters (ECHL) to CSG Strasbourg Added By: Davide Tuniz, Status: Confirmed

;D