Brett Pilkington, Max Taylor to take draws for Texas in 2007-08

[hockeyfan]

BEAUMONT, TX (September 27, 2007) – Texas Wildcatters Head Coach and V.P. of Hockey Operations Malcolm Cameron announced Thursday that the team has signed centers Brett Pilkington and Max Taylor to contracts for the 2007-08 season. Per team policy, terms of the deals were undisclosed.

Both players are currently attending AHL training camps, Pilkington with the Milwaukee Admirals, Taylor with the Manchester Monarchs. Both are entering their first year in the ECHL.

Pilkington, 23, is a 2006 graduate of Bowling Green University (NCAA)and split time between the Kalamazoo Wings (nine games) and the Quad City Mallards (64 games) in the UHL last year. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Pilkington averaged a point per game as a rookie with 73 points (29g-44a) in 73 games.

“Brett had a solid rookie season last year. Any time you average a point per game in your first year it is something to be proud of,†said Cameron, “He has size, skill, and vision. I have every reason to expect him to fit in well with our up-tempo style of play here in Texas. We’re very excited about this kid.â€

Taylor, 23, comes to the Wildcatters after four outstanding seasons at St. Lawrence University (NCAA). In 2006-07, Taylor registered 13 goals and 18 assists (13-18-31) in 39 games for St. Lawrence. An energetic center from Ottawa, Taylor is the younger brother of former Texas goaltender Danny Taylor. Both Taylor brothers are attending camp with the Monarchs.

“Max had a breakout senior season on a very good team last year. He brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm to the game and is at 110% every time he’s on the ice,†said Cameron, “We’re looking forward to what he will add to our team.â€

Cameron also announced Thursday that Jason Beeman has opted to spend 2007-08 in the Chinese League and will therefore not be playing for the Wildcatters this season. Beeman was one of several 2006-07 Wildcatters expected to return to this year. In 2006-07 the California native registered 24 points (8g-16a) and 143 PIM in 66 games with the ‘Catters.

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 in a rematch of Game 7 from the first-ever ECHL Finals.

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