hockeyfan Posted October 20, 2006 Report Posted October 20, 2006 ESTERO, Fla. - Hockey is not taking a backseat to hurricanes today, but the memories of last year’s odd-man rush on a virtually defenseless Gulf Coast are still fresh in the minds of the ECHL and those teams impacted. At this time 12 months ago, Germain Arena was about to undergo a transformation into a hurricane shelter, with all of Southwest Florida bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Wilma. It was to be the third time in less than two months the league would have to readjust the schedule, pushing back the Florida Everblades’ opener against Las Vegas a full week. But at least Florida still had a season to look forward to. For the Texas Wildcatters and Mississippi Sea Wolves, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, respectively, washed away any hopes of putting a team on the ice. And in Mississippi’s case, it will be at least another year before hockey can be played in Biloxi. Tonight, however, the Wildcatters will line up across from the Everblades and officially give the residents of Beaumont, Texas, something to cheer about again. That is something ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna is proud of. Click This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up for the rest. Great article!
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