hockeyfan Posted September 13, 2007 Report Posted September 13, 2007 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.â€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.â€â€œI’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 goingâ€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.â€â€œI 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.# # #
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