News - 12/04/2002

East Coast Hockey League - Texas Wildcatters

Texas Wildcatters Unveil Name, Logo

Beaumont, TX (December 4, 2002) - Texas Wildcatters is the name of the new professional hockey team to hit the Golden Triangle. The Southeast Texas Hockey Partners unveiled the name and logo on Wednesday afternoon at the Hilton Beaumont. Texas Black and Gold are the official team colors of the Wildcatters. As the newest entry in the East Coast Hockey League, the Wildcatters will play in the state-of-the-art Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex Arena when it opens in the fall of 2003.

Popular for its fast pace, competitive players and fan interaction, professional hockey has become one of the nation's greatest spectator sports. The new Southeast Texas Entertainment Complex will hold approximately 7,500 spectators for hockey featuring Club, Glass, Premier, Executive and Mezzanine seating. Luxury suites are also available.

Formed in 1988 with five teams in three states, the East Coast Hockey League celebrates its 15th Anniversary Season in 2002-03 with 27 teams in 14 states including the newest market in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to Southeast Texas, the ECHL will welcome the following new members in 2003-04: Anchorage Aces, Bakersfield Condors, Fresno Falcons, Gwinnett Gladiators, Idaho Steelheads, Las Vegas Wranglers, Long Beach Ice Dogs, and San Diego Gulls. The ECHL also has members in Jacksonville, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; Ontario, California and Reno, Nevada that are awaiting completion of arena projects.

There have been 197 former ECHL players, including 48 in 2002-03, who have advanced to the National Hockey League along with coaches, officials and front office personnel. Twenty-three of the 30 teams in the NHL have affiliations with ECHL teams in 2002-03.

The Wildcatters and The Beaumont Enterprise sponsored a "Guess the Name" contest. The winner, Robert Hall of Beaumont, correctly guessed the name Wildcatters. He has won a pair of inaugural season tickets, a personalized team jersey, an autographed team hockey stick, and a photo opportunity with the new team.

The Texas Wildcatters are now taking deposits for season tickets for the inaugural 2003-2004 season. Season Ticket Holders will benefit from reserved seating for all 36 games and first option for playoff seating, complimentary VIP parking, a meet and greet party with the players, ticket exchange program, and Wildcatters merchandise discounts. Call (409) 839-2344 for more information or check out www.wildcattershockey.com.