McBain gets all-star nod

Nick Christensen

Friday, Jan. 7, 2005 | 9:46 a.m.

The ECHL All-Star Game has generally been a time for prospects to show off their skills in the hope of one day finding a job in the National Hockey League.

At 30 and admittedly near the end of his hockey career, Wranglers defenseman Jason McBain doesn't necessarily fit that profile ... but he does measure up as an all-star.

McBain was selected as a starter for the National Conference team at the ECHL All-Star Game on Jan. 26 at Reading, Pa.

McBain was one of two Wranglers selected, but the other, forward Dana Lattery, has been signed by Providence of the American Hockey League.

"It's nice, first of all, to be recognized as one of the more relied-upon players in the league," said McBain, who will be paired with Victoria's Brad Dexter on the National starting blue-line unit. "To be looked up to by other people, that makes anybody feel good, it doesn't matter who you are. I guess somebody like me, who's kind of winding his career down, it's kind of nice to have things like this happen and when your career is over, and you did a few good things along the way, it kind of puts a smile on your face."

McBain is seventh among ECHL defensemen in scoring, with five goals and 14 assists in 24 games. He's also without question the Wranglers' on-ice leader, having played at every level of professional hockey, including a season with the Las Vegas Thunder in the IHL.

But the past two seasons have stood out statistically. Last year, McBain had 44 assists for Las Vegas, a career high.

"He's had some good numbers," Wranglers coach Glen Gulutzan said. "Between him and his brother (defenseman Mike McBain), they're guys that are established; they kind of give us a backbone here to build from. We look to them for leadership and so forth."

Gulutzan said he was a little surprised that McBain was chosen, but said "those two guys have played well, and they deserve to be there if it's an all-star game in the true sense."