Wranglers receive goalie from AHL

Former University of Michigan star set to play Tuesday

Monday, Nov. 30, 2009 | 4 p.m.

Courtesy Toledo Walleye

Sauer

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The Las Vegas Wranglers, who are mired in a seven-game losing streak, are going to try out a new goalie Tuesday night in an attempt to snap that woeful skid.

The Wranglers announced Monday they received goaltender Billy Sauer on loan from the Lake Erie Monsters of the American Hockey League.

Sauer, a 21-year-old Rochester native, has bounced around the ECHL this year in his first professional season after a stellar career at the University of Michigan.

In seven games with the Charlotte Checkers and Toledo Walleye Sauer is 2-2-1 with a 4.58 goals against average and a .873 save percentage prior to moving up to the AHL.

"I have heard nothing but great things about Billy. He had a very successful collegiate career and earned an AHL contract," said Wranglers general manager and head coach Ryan Mougenel. "He hasn't had the opportunity to play as much as he deserves and I look forward to giving him that opportunity as soon as possible."

The Colorado Avalanche drafted Sauer in the seventh round (No. 201) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft following his freshman season at Michigan.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound goalie appeared in 114 games for the Wolverines, where he finished ranked third among Michigan's all-time goaltending leaders in save percentage (.908), fourth in goals against average (2.56) and fifth in total wins (71).

Sauer helped lead the Wolverines to the 2008 Frozen Four with a 30-4-3 record as junior.

"He definitely comes from a talented college program and he was high on my recruiting list this off season," Mougenel said.

Sauer is expected to start Tuesday against the Victoria Salmon Kings because regular netminder Michael Ouzas is returning home on bereavement leave.

Ouzas is 6-10-1 this season, starting all but two games. When Ouzas returns he will compete with Sauer for the starting job while Joel Gistedt remains in the backup role.

The Wranglers (6-12-1) host the Salmon Kings (6-11-1) at 7:05 p.m. at the Orleans Arena Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.

Discussion: 5 comments so far…

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By vegas_baby_vegas

Nov. 30, 2009

11:17 p.m.

Suggest removal

My deepest sympathies to Ouzas and his family at this time. I would like to also extend a warm welcome to Sauer.
By vagman

Dec. 1, 2009

9:55 a.m.

Suggest removal

Hockey tonight boys and girls!!!!
By winthorpe

Dec. 1, 2009

5:48 p.m.

Suggest removal

EMERGENCY MEETING BEHIND 106 TONIGHT AFTER PERIOD ONE. EVERYONE THAT BLOGS HERE, TRY TO COME BY. OR STOP BY MY SEAT FOR DETAILS ABOVE THE TUNNEL BEFORE GAME. THANKS.
By nevadaice

Dec. 2, 2009

noon

Suggest removal

could not make the game...what is the emergency?
By winthorpe

Dec. 3, 2009

8:31 a.m.

Suggest removal

nevadaice, Steve got laid off and I was trying to get everyone together to see him that night.