Barry Goers Returns for 2nd Season with Wranglers

Published on August 30, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, Nev. - The Las Vegas Wranglers(r) announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Barry Goers for the 2011-12 season, and he will return for a second year with the team.

The 25-year-old native of Ivyland, Pa., earned his debut with the Wranglers late in the 2009-10 season after signing an ATO (amateur try-out) with the team. Goers collected three points (2g, 1a) in six regular-season games, and notched an additional three assists in five play-off games. In 2010-11, his first professional season with the team, the 5'9, 175-pound blueliner racked up 27 points (5g, 22a) and 38 penalty minutes in 64 regular-season games, and also appeared in five play-off games. He was named an alternate defenseman for the Bakersfield Condors in the 2011 ECHL All-Star Game as well.

"I'm excited to come back to Las Vegas and show a strong support for the community and hockey team," said Goers. "We get great support from the fans and it makes it a really great place to play."

Goers' return to Las Vegas has an added bonus for the community-he makes it a priority to give back to the area that supports him. Last season, Goers partnered with Cell Phones for Soldiers to turn old cell phones into prepaid calling cards for U.S. troops deployed overseas. Inspired by his brother in the Navy, he's been working with the organization since college.

"[Cell Phones for Soldiers] allows soldiers overseas to communicate with families and friends back home, and I don't know personally, but I'd imagine it's one of the most important things to them," said Goers. "It can get very expensive and the program does a wonderful job of making that easy and affordable for them."

The Las Vegas Wranglers set a goal of getting 400 cell phones donated in the 2010-11 season, and it was quickly surpassed. By the end, over 800 phones had been collected at Orleans Arena, which Goers credits to community support.

"We had such great participation in Vegas last year, I'm not sure if there are any more cell phones laying around," said Goers.

Goers spent four years at UMass Lowell (2006-10), where he appeared in 133 games and accumulated 42 points (5g, 37a) and 64 penalty minutes.

"Barry has solidified himself as an elite defenseman in our league," said General Manager and Head Coach Ryan Mougenel. "He plays in all situations and can provide an offensive element from the back end. Barry's involvement in the community is well documented, and his Cell Phones for Soldiers program was a huge success, which speaks volumes to the type of character Barry is."

The Wranglers host Opening Night, billed as "The Last Professional Hockey Game on Earth," on Friday, Oct. 21 at 7:05 p.m. against Ontario Reign. 2011-12 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 next to the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave.

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