Balanced Scoring Leads Wranglers Over Reign 4-1 In Preseason Finale

Published on October 12, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Ontario, CA - The Las Vegas Wranglers (3-0-0) defeated the Ontario Reign (1-1-0) 4-1 in a preseason game at Center Ice Arena on Sunday night. Forwards Jordan Hack, Luke Hunter, Chris Korchinski and Matt McKnight each scored in the victory. Defenseman Gerard Miller dished out two assists and goalie Bryan Bridges made 19 saves for the win. Las Vegas will begin the team's sixth season in the ECHL this Friday and Saturday in Anchorage, AK at 8:15 PM (PST).

After 19:52 of scoreless hockey, the Reign ended the scoreless drought with a slap shot by Tim Krauss. Ontario's Brad Melhako passed the puck from the right-wing halfway to the high slot for Krauss. The Ontario forward rifled a slap shot through traffic and into the back of the net, beating Las Vegas goalie Bryan Bridges for the 1-0 lead after one period of play.

In the second period, Las Vegas countered with an early power-play goal, tying the game 1-1. Just 31-seconds into the team's extra-man advantage, defenseman Gerard Miller sent the puck down low towards the Ontario net. Rookie Matt McKnight scooped up the pass and snapped the puck into the Reign net at 4:30. Las Vegas claimed the lead at 11:34 as Jordan hack scored off a loose puck in the Ontario slot. Forward Justin Taylor worked the puck down low to the net and played the puck to the crease for Hack, who finished for his first goal of the preseason and a 2-1 Las Vegas lead.

In the third period, the Wranglers expanded their lead to two goals at 11:53. Forward Chris Korchinski tipped in a rebound for his first of the preseason and a 3-1 Las Vegas lead. Center Luke Hunter sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:00 for the final score of 4-1.

The Wranglers have announced a total of 27 players in training camp for the 2008-09 Preseason. Defensemen Brandon Straub, Jim Jorgensen, Michael Beynon, Gerard Miller, Bret Tyler, Jason Dest, Mark Lutz and Mike Madill have all agreed to terms for 2008-09. Forwards Tim Spencer, Mick Lawrence, Matt McKnight, Luke Hunter, Tyler Mosienko, Mike Hamilton, Jordan Hack, Adam Miller, Chris Ferraro, Peter Ferraro and Brandon Kaleniecki have also signed. Forwards Jimmy Kilpatrick, Justin Taylor and Chris Neiszner are signed to tryout agreements. Left wing Shawn Limpright continues to rehab from off-season surgery. Two-time Central Hockey League Goalie of the Year John DeCaro has also agreed to terms for the upcoming season. Goalie Bryan Bridges has signed a tryout agreement. Defenseman Brandon Straub and forward Matt Beaudoin remain in the American Hockey League.

Las Vegas begins the team's sixth season in the ECHL this coming Friday and Saturday in Anchorage, AK. The Wranglers will meet the Alaska Aces at 8:15 pm (PST) both nights at Sullivan Arena. Las Vegas will open at home on Thursday, October 23rd at 7:30 pm at the Orleans Arena against the Ontario Reign.

2008-09 season seat packages are on sale now at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue.

Opening night is scheduled for Thursday, October 23rd at the Orleans Arena. Individual game tickets are on sale now at (702) 284-7777.

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