Preseason schedule kicks off Year 2

Nick Christensen

Friday, Oct. 15, 2004 | 9:02 a.m.

With 22 players competing for roster spots and players being sent down from Triple-A Lowell seemingly every other day, Las Vegas Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan is looking for something special from his team for this weekend's two ECHL exhibition games at the Orleans Arena.

"I'm looking for, especially how the young guys can compete," Gulutzan said. "I want to see how guys can fit into what kind of system we want to play."

Lowell sent down defenseman Deryk Engelland, forward Jason Spence, and center Dustin Johner on Wednesday. They join Sebastian Centomo, Regan Darby, Adam Huxley, Chris Stanley, Darren Lynch, Dan Tudin and Patrick Nilson as AHL players on the Wranglers' roster.

Gulutzan said that every player is competing for a spot on the roster, after going through a rigorous training camp highlighted by three consecutive days of two-a-day practices.

"The two-a-days, there's nothing you can really do to prepare you," sophomore Wranglers center Doug Wright said. "You can only train so hard by yourself."

Wright said his approach to preseason games has only changed with is experience.

"Obviously, sure, I'm a little more confident in my abilities," he said. "Last year I didn't know what to expect. Guys still have to prove themselves. At the same time, you have to play a team game, and prove your worth."

One of the Wranglers' rookies preparing for the weekend's doubleheader is forward Chris Stanley. Stanley spent the last four season at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and was named the Canadian college player of the year last season.

"I think this is a good opportunity to establish myself as a force to be reckoned with," Stanley said. "I'd like to show the coaching staff I'm a valuable player, that I can play in any situation. It's a learning experience."

Both the Wranglers' goalies will start games against the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies this weekend, with Gulutzan saying he expects that new arrival Sebastien Centomo to be in net tonight.

Returning Las Vegas starter Marc Magliarditi said having another goaltender on staff is a challenge.

"It helps push me, having a guy with AHL experience," he said.

But being so close to the game only fueled Frederick's fire, and so he's also on the training camp roster trying out for the team.

"He's doing fine," Gulutzan said. "Obviously, he's a little out of shape, he hasn't played in two years. I think when most guys retire, they want to come back."

Gulutzan said that Frederick will remain on the coaching staff in a limited role regardless of whether he makes the team. He'll join new assistant coach Drew Schoneck, and returning assistant Jeff Sharples. Sharples, who in the 1990s played for the Las Vegas Thunder, will also have a reduced role after taking a full-time pilot job with a commercial passenger airline.

KSHP-AM 1400 will air 50 games as the Wranglers' primary radio affiliate. Up to 15 games will then air on KENO-AM 1460. All games will be available on the Wranglers' website.

"Honestly, I think it was big for our fans," said Wranglers broadcaster Josh Fisher. "In the long run, they're the ones that missed out on the games. It's a bonus for them to be able to have an alternative to turn to when our main source isn't able to do it."

Nine games have already been pre-empted from both stations, including next Saturday's road game at Long Beach. Other games that will not be broadcast include home games on Nov. 19, Dec. 17, Jan. 13, Jan. 29 and March 11. Road games on Nov. 28, Dec. 11 and Jan. 15 will also not be aired.