All-Star McKenna returns to Wranglers

Published on October 3, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, NV- The Las Vegas Wranglers announced that the team has agreed to terms with goalie Mike McKenna and forward Josh Sciba. Per club policy, terms of the deals are not disclosed.

"Mike McKenna is a two-time all-star who really excelled as our number one goalie last year," said Wranglers General Manager / Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. "He is capable of winning games for us on any given night. We expect him to continue his development as one of the best goalies in the ECHL."

McKenna enters his third season of professional hockey, with the majority of his time spent with the Wranglers. The St. Louis, MO native posted career highs with 27 wins, five shutouts and a .927 save percentage. In all, McKenna went 27-4-7 with a 2.21 goals against average last season. In two seasons with Las Vegas, McKenna has posted a 46-6-8 record, with a 2.17 goals against average, six shutouts and a .925 save percentage.

"Last year was a good year, but we fell short of our team goal of winning a championship," said Wranglers Goalie Mike McKenna. "Both of the last two seasons have been great in the regular season, but we have come up short in the playoffs. We want to win a championship here in Las Vegas and I think we have the pieces in place to do so."

McKenna earned numerous honors in 2006-07. For the second straight season, the 24-year old was selected to represent Las Vegas in the ECHL All-Star Game. McKenna was named All-ECHL second team and finished second in Goalie of the Year and MVP voting. The third year pro won 11 straight games from March 13,2007 to April 23, 2007. McKenna spent parts of the last two seasons in the American Hockey League, making appearances with Milwaukee, Omaha and Norfolk. The Nashville Predators selected McKenna in the sixth round (#172 overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. Prior to turning pro, the right-handed catching goalie played four years at St. Lawrence University.

"Josh Sciba is a young and talented player out of Notre Dame," said Wranglers General Manager / Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. "Josh showed he can score at the college level and we are looking forward to seeing him do that as a professional for us. He is skilled and has the ability to put the puck in the net."

Sciba turns pro after playing the last four seasons at Notre Dame. In 141 collegiate games, the Westland, MI native posted 38 goals and 34 assists for 72 points. The 22-year old improved offensively in his junior season, breaking out with 17 goals and 30 points in 35 games.

"I have heard nothing but great things about Las Vegas and what a wonderful organization it is," said Wranglers forward Josh Sciba. "I'm pumped about the new experience and can't wait to be a part of the Wranglers. I've seen the success they have had here over the last few years and I want to help take this team to the next level."

The Wranglers are expected to announce the 2007-08 training camp roster this Friday.

Individual game tickets are now on sale. Fans may purchase tickets on the Wranglers team website at www.lasvegaswranglers.com or the Orleans Arena website (www.orleansarena.com). Fans may also purchase tickets at any of the following locations in the valley: Galleria Mall, Orleans Casino showroom box office, Gold Coast Casino showroom box office and the Suncoast Casino showroom box office. Tickets may be ordered by phone at (702)-284-7777.

The Wranglers play all 36 home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Las Vegas will host Opening Night on Sunday, October 21st at 7:05 pm at the Orleans Arena. The Wranglers will host the Bakersfield Condors at 7:05 pm on Thursday, October 11th in a preseason game. Seat packages to see the Wranglers play at the Orleans Arena for the upcoming 2007-08 season are on sale now, starting as low as $157 per seat. Call (702) 471-PUCK (7825) for more information or visit www.lasvegaswranglers.com.

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