Fans to Select All-Time Amarillo Wrangler and Rattler Teams
February 10, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Amarillo Gorillas News Release
AMARILLO TX â Hockey fans are witnessing something truly special and memorable this season as the Amarillo Gorillas are having one of the best seasons ever in Amarillo professional hockey history.
The Gorillas want to take time to honor the past by asking fans to help select all-time Amarillo Wranglers and Amarillo Rattlers teams to be unveiled at a special celebration of hockey on Saturday, Mar. 8 at 7 p.m. at The Jungle in the Amarillo Civic Center. Two banners will be raised with the names of the players of the two teams.
"We are asking hockey fans to either pick up a ballot at the Gorillas booth during the home games are drop by the corporate offices located in the lower level of the Commerce Building and fill it out," said Director of Media Relations Denis J. Puska. "With the success the Gorillas are having this season, we felt it was only fitting to honor the past Amarillo professional hockey teams."
The Amarillo Wranglers were a member of the old Central Hockey League from 1968 to 1969 and again from 1970-1971. The Wranglers were an affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins which just joined the National Hockey League at that time as well.
The Wranglers had a record of 43-79-22 in the two seasons for 108 points. Amarillo's best record was year one with a mark of 29-32-11.
The goaltenders the fans can choose from include Marv Edwards, Buddy Bloom, Paul Hoganson and Cam Newton. On defense there are Bob Heaney, Larry Bignell, Sheldon Kannegiesser, Jean Guy Legace, Ted Lanyon, Jim Shires, Dan Sharpe, Dick Mattiuissi and Nick Polano.
Rick Kessell, Larry Billows, Steve Cardwell, Ray Adduono, Garry Swain, Andre Gaudette, Ron Snell, Clare Lonheim, Robin Burns, Bob Fitchner, Ed Patinaude and Connie Forey make up the list of forwards.
The Amarillo Rattlers were a charter member of the Western Professional Hockey League in the 1996-97 season. The Rattlers compiled an overall record of 140-216-50 for 330 points. The best season was in 1998-99 when the Rattlers were 31-30-8 for 70 points including 19 wins on home ice.
Fans can choose from goaltenders Todd Laurin, Matt Delguidice, Todd MacDonald and Adam Lord. The defenseman are Marc Dupuis, Chad Wilchinski, Eric Andersen, Trevor Janicki, Ken Karpuk, Jay Pecora, Jeff Triano and Ryan Shannon.
The forwards are Brad Haelzle, Dave Rattray, Ron Newhook, Chris Brooks, Bill Newsom, Jeff Mancini, Toby Harris, Mark Karpen, Rob Hutson, Scott Stevens, Dorian Anneck and Brian Pellerin.
The Celebration of Hockey will take place on Saturday, Mar 8 when the Amarillo Gorillas entertain the expansion and red hot Laredo Bucks at 7 p.m. The evening will also include the rededication of the Brad Haelzle banner.
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