Puck drops ‘round midnight

Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 | 8:55 a.m.

The streaking Wranglers might not be able to prevent any streakers from sliding across the ice tonight during their annual midnight game at the Orleans Arena. But club officials will be prepared for lesser offenses.

After incidents of females flashing for arena cameras during last year's late-night game, a three-second delay will be used for the arena's video screens.

"It's a nice change, more of a rowdy atmosphere," said Wranglers coach and general manager Glen Gulutzan. "The fans are real into it because it's late at night, and people are either tired or have had a few sodas. It's unique."

The schedule shows that the Wranglers (18-4-2, 38 points, and winners of seven straight), will play Long Beach (13-11-2, 28) at 11:59 p.m. But the first puck will most likely drop a few ticks into Tuesday.

It might take a while for the crowd to settle in after hearing Mini Kiss, the smallish quartet that looks and sounds like the rock group Kiss. Mini-Gene (Simmons) prefers the term "little people."

"I hate the M word," he said on a Web site. Mini Kiss will play before tonight's -- er, Tuesday morning's -- game and at the first intermission.

Other festivities will include a blood drive at the Orleans Arena from 4-6 p.m. where donors will receive ticket vouchers to the Penn and Teller show at the Rio. A toy drive at the arena will benefit Olive Crest, which helps needy children.

"I'm just looking forward to seeing the atmosphere," said Wranglers reserve goalie Mike McKenna. "I've heard a lot about it. I don't know what to expect, but I think it will be fun."

Las Vegas usually plays at 7 p.m., so Gulutzan said it's mostly a matter of the players backing up their routines by five hours.

"I always found it harder to play in the afternoon," defenseman Tim Hambly said. "Later in the evening, it won't be that much different, other than maybe having to take a longer nap during the day so you have the energy late at night."

That goes for Wranglers fans, too.

Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or at miech@lasvegassun.com.