Hayward Exchanges Player Jersey for Clipboard, Whistle

[hockeyfan]

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.â€

“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.â€

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.