BILOXI, Miss. � Defenseman Jim Baxter, on loan to the Grand Rapids Griffins of the American Hockey League from the Mississippi Sea Wolves of the ECHL, scored a power-play goal, had an even rating and registered three shots on net in his first-ever AHL game, in Grand Rapids 3-2 loss at San Antonio.
Baxter netted his marker at 11:55 of the second period with the man advantage, beating former Mississippi goaltender Travis Scott, to tie the score 1-1. Kevin Miller and Hugo Boisvert assisted on Baxter�s tally.
In his fifth professional season, the 24-year-old Baxter ranks second among ECHL defensemen with 58 points. The 6-foot-3 and 215-pound Baxter is tied for second on the league blueline with 16 goals and ranks first with five game-winning goals and 11.9 shooting percentage. A native of Brantford, Ontario, Baxter has an overall plus/minus of +20 and was named the C&T Hockey Products ECHL Plus Performer of the Month for December with a plus/minus of +13.
In 2002-03, Baxter was named the ECHL Defenseman of the Year and All-ECHL First Team Defenseman. He was selected by the Boston Bruins in the seventh round, 180th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft and Baxter was also chosen in the seventh round, 202nd overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 1999.
The Sea Wolves get back into action at 7:35 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday against the Florida Everblades at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum. Friday promotions include 2-for-1 military, sponsored by Keesler Federal Credit Union and a postgame jersey action to benefit Youth For Christ. Game coverage gets underway at 7:20 p.m. with the Nextel Pregame Show on ESPN Radio WXBD-AM 1490 and online at msseawolves.com.
On Saturday, promotions consist of $2 drafts and $2 hot dogs from 6:30-8:30 p.m., �Jersey Bottle Buddies� giveaway to the first 1,500 fans, plus the Brain Injury Association of Mississippi will hand out 1,000 bicycle helmets. Listen live at 7:20 p.m. with the Nextel Pregame Show on WTNI-AM 1640 and online at msseawolves.com.
Individual game tickets can be purchased at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum box office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at ticketmaster.com and by calling (228) 594-3707.
Flex packs, discounted group tickets and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (228) 275-WOLF.
|
