Wildcatters Add NCAA Champion Carlson to Attack

[hockeyfan]

http://www.texaswildcattersfanclub.com/RossCarlson.htm

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.â€

“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.â€

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.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.

# # #