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twitterNew-look Wranglers ready for opening night
Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Las Vegas Sun
The Las Vegas Wranglers file off the ice for the final time of the 2008-09 season after being swept by the Alaska Aces in the National Conference finals at the Orleans Arena on May 14. The Wranglers open the 2009-10 season on Friday night against Utah with only three players returning from last year’s squad.
Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 | 6 a.m.
Hockey Talk
Canadian Thanksgiving and opening night jitters
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Las Vegas Sun reporter Steve Silver sits down with Las Vegas Wranglers head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel to discuss a wide array of topics including the history of Canadian thanksgiving, Mougenel's bed building skills and of course opening night this Friday.
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Expanded hockey coverage
The Las Vegas Wranglers will take the ice Friday night to launch their seventh season at the Orleans Arena against the Utah Grizzlies.
But there is almost nothing about these Wranglers that resemble last year's squad.
With new head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel replacing Glen Gulutzan, the Wranglers return just three players from last year's National Conference finalist team.
Aside from forwards Mick Lawrence, Adam Miller and Chris Neiszner, the only recognizable face on the bench is athletic trainer Scott McClay. Some fans might also remember former Wrangler Jason Krischuk from the 2006-07 and 07-08 seasons.
"We are a different team, no question," Mougenel said. "We are going to be a team that is extremely well-conditioned to suit the type of game we intend to play."
The Wranglers even have a new NHL affiliation with the Phoenix Coyotes organization, ending a six-year run with the Calgary Flames.
With these changes, though, comes a younger, faster and more offensive-minded team that could finally bring a Kelly Cup to Las Vegas.
The average age of the 23 players on Friday night's opening roster is 24-years-old. Last year that average age was more than 26-years-old.
"We've got a great group of guys here," Lawrence said. "We're pretty young, everyone is pretty eager to start and play. I like the atmosphere and the attitude of the team here. I think that youth we brought in brought a little more life to the team and we are definitely a lot faster. (Mougenel) brings more of an offensive style and structure, which will keep the flow and pace up."
No matter the age or speed of Mougenel's team, the first-year head coach still has a large legacy to live up to thanks to the success of Gulutzan.
Gulutzan amassed a 254-124-55 regular season record while leading the Wranglers to the playoffs five out of the last six seasons.
"The one think I'm pretty confident in is who I am as a coach and who I am as a guy," Mougenel said. "This organization has a tradition of excellence and I think I've brought in players who embrace that."
As the general manager, Mougenel is also very familiar with the economics of minor league hockey. He knows he has to find a way to fix the Wranglers attendance woes.
Just three years ago, the Wranglers averaged 5,075 fans per game. Last season, the regular season average was 4,621 while playoff attendance plummeted to an average of 3,470.
A full Orleans Arena Friday night, coupled with a victory would certainly help launch Mougenel's tenure in the right direction.
"There is nothing like playing in front of fans that are excited and care for you," Mougenel said. "The one thing that Las Vegas has going for it is that we have a lot of players that have committed to living here, which is different from other towns. These guys are entrenched in the community and that's important to gain the support of our fans. We do have passionate fans here and I'm excited to put on a show for them."
Steve Silver can be reached at 948-7822 or steve.silver@lasvegassun.com.
Discussion: 25 comments so far…
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Sorry to see Riedel go but we did need some toughness. Hope we get a good crowd tomorrow night, I think with the Sun coverage it might improve. Side note: Curtis Fraser signed with (ugh) Alaska.
Fraser's starting the season on the 21 day IR so you won't have to see him when they are down there next week but it is a nice pick-up for the Aces. It seems like they have gone in the exact opposite direction of the Wranglers as they have 13 players back from last years team. Good luck against Utah.
Technically it's actually 15 returners if you count everyone who is starting the season on the IR as well. I guess what I'm trying to say is the Aces have a very "experienced" team which is a nice way to say old. We'll see how it works out...
Looks like JD Watt and Hugo Carpentier will be coming to town with Utah on Friday
Does anyone have any news on Bret Tyler?
Looking forward to another exciting season. Steve, don't bump into the tunnel when you come out to do your interviews or my beer may fall off the ledge and soak you. Just kidding, that ledge is actually a little shaky for beers and that would be alcohol abuse. See you tomorrow.
Carpentier just recalled to Abbotsford.
I was just about to post that about Hugo.
Also, a lot of Wranglers talk on the Vegas Sports Scene tonight. Channel 14, VegasTV at 10:30 p.m.
I'm looking forward to the Wranglers youth vs. the Aces experience this year.
Finally....IT'S GAME DAY!
Let the games begin!!!!!
Time go so slow on game days! why can't it be 7 already!!
"Why can't it be 7 already?" Didn't you mean, "Why can't it be 7:05 already"?
My two cents: The financial issues faced by the team are a legitimate concern and are fair game to be addressed by the media. However, I'm boycotting the Ron Kantowski article. It seems that he always goes overboard in trying to be humorous in his writing. I realize that this is his "role" with the LV Sun, but it has just never worked for me. It always seems too forced.
Regardless, drop the puck!
I just got back from morning skate. Everyone is fired up and ready to go. See you all tonight.
Yes Dmoney that is what i meant but it was early I was to lazy to put the :05. And Actually 7 would be fine cuz i would rather only have to wait 5 minutes rather then the almost 6 hours that i have to wait now!! :)
Well said DMoney. Let's leave the hockey coverage to Steve because we all know, he's "The Man"!!
well said winthorpe, but I'll still be watching you closely tonight.
I've got Adam Miller lined up for 1st intermission and then Chris Frank in the second.
Any burning questions you'd like me to ask?
The old Jack Byrnes, I will be watching you Focker, pointing to his own eyes stare, no doubt. Can't think of any questions at the moment Steve. If I think of any, I will pass you a note when you come out. Guess you'll have to surprise us. I'm looking forward to seeing you in your Don Cherry like suit though.
Any idea who is wearing the "C" and "A"s?
By the way, Steve, I echo your feelings regarding Twitter! I really don't care if somebody is eating a peanut butter sandwich!
DMoney, very good question. I imagine Neiszner and Prudden are in the mix on that one.
Oh I've got a nice pin-striped one t'd up for tonight winthorpe. I'm out for now boys, see you in a few hours at the arena.
1. I HOPE WE DONT MISS REIDEL...THERES SOMETHING WE DONT KNOW THERE....MAYBE ATTITUDE? ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE A GOAL-SCORER IN THE LINEUP..LETS SEE WHO STEPS UP.
2. ALASKA IS LOADED...GRITTY VETS AND GUYS WHO KNOW HOW TO PUT THE PUCK AWAY...ID IMAGINE FRASER DOESNT STAY DOWN IN THE ECHL ALL YEAR.
SHOULD BE AN EXCITING SEASON, IF ANYTHING THESE GUYS WILL BE FULL OF ENERGY...SEE YOU GUYS AT THE RINK
TIM
Alaska is indeed loaded. 16 players back plus Fraser. Next weekend will be a very good early barometer of where this Wrangler team stacks up.
It will be announced soon that the Wranglers will be folding at the end of the season. No, this is not rumor, it is true. Don't believe me? Call the Wranglers Front Office, they'll tell you!
OOONOO, I spoke with Billy Johnson, the Wranglers president, and this is what he had to say. He is out of town, but wanted to make sure all Wranglers fans hear this:
"Ooonoo: This is not true. I'm going to call you out. Put your name on your claim and cite your source. People like you put these rumors out there without basis. It is irreprehensible. It's offensive to our employees, players, and owners for you to grind whatever axe you may have. More so it is a slap in the face to the people of the Las Vegas Valley. So, have some balls, cite your source and put your name on this. Put your name on this rumor. Take credit for your scoop. Otherwise you are a jackass and I will not let you insult the hard working owners and members of this organization or the people of Las Vegas. - Billy Johnson, Las Vegas Wranglers"