Las Vegas Adds Goalie Manzato

Published on April 24, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that goalie Daniel Manzato has been returned to the team by the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes. In a separate transaction, rookie goalie Joey Perricone was released.

Manzato had been recalled by Carolina to play for Team Switzerland at the World Championships in Canada. The rookie goalie was returned to Las Vegas after Anaheim's Jonas Hiller and Ottawa's Martin Gerber joined Team Switzerland after their NHL season's had ended. Manzato finished fifth in the ECHL with 24 wins. For the season, Manzato posted a 24-5-6 record, becoming only the third goalie in team history to record 20 wins in a season. Manzato's 2.37 goals against average ranked seventh in the ECHL and his three shutouts tied for third overall in the league. The 2008 National Conference All-Star also finished with a .921 save percentage.

Manzato was drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the fifth round (#160 overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The Swiss netminder played the last four seasons in the Swiss-A league, compiling a 67-59-14 record with a 2.94 goals against average. Prior to his time in Europe, Manzato played three seasons of junior hockey with the QMJHL's (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League) Victoriaville Tigers. During his time in Victoriaville, Manzato posted a 50-39-7 record with a 3.45 goals against average.

With home-ice advantage, the National Conference regular season champions will host Games One and Two of the National Conference Semi-Finals. Game One is set for Friday, April 25th at 7:05 pm at the Orleans Arena, with Game Two slated for Saturday, April 26th at 7:05 pm. The best-of-seven series then shifts to Anchorage for Games Three, Four and Five. Game Three is scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th at 8:15 pm (PDT) at Sullivan Arena in Anchorage, AK. Game Four is set for Thursday, May 1st at 8:15 pm (PDT) in Alaska. If necessary, Game Five would take place at Sullivan Arena at 8:15 pm (PDT) on Friday, May 2nd. The series will shift back to Las Vegas for Games Six and Seven if needed. Game Six would be on Tuesday, May 6th at 7:05 pm at the Orleans Arena. Game Seven is set for Wednesday, May 7th at 7:05 pm at the Orleans Arena.

The Wranglers and Aces meet for the second time in Kelly Cup Playoff history. In 2006, Alaska defeated Las Vegas 4-2 in the best-of-seven West Division Finals, culminated by a triple-overtime Game Six win for the Aces. Alaska went on to win the Kelly Cup in the 2006 playoffs. The Aces swept Idaho 4-0 in the first round of the 2008 Kelly Cup Playoffs to advance to the second round, while Las Vegas defeated Stockton 4-2 in the opening round.

Las Vegas Wranglers vs. Alaska Aces - National Conference Semi-Finals (best of seven series):

Game 1: Friday, April 25th at 7:05 pm - Orleans Arena

Game 2: Saturday, April 26th at 7:05 pm - Orleans Arena

Game 3: at Alaska - Tuesday, April 29th at 8:15 pm (PDT)

Game 4: at Alaska - Thursday, May 1st at 8:15 pm (PDT)

Game 5: at Alaska - Friday, May 2nd at 8:15 pm (PDT) - X

Game 6: Tuesday, May 6th at 7:05 pm - Orleans Arena - X

Game 7: Wednesday, May 7th at 7:05 pm - Orleans Arena - X

X = If Necessary

Wranglers fans can catch all of the exciting Kelly Cup playoff second round action at McMullan's Irish Pub. Live via B2 Networks, follow the Wranglers as they face the Alaska Aces in Anchorage on April 29, May 1st and May 2nd.

2008 Kelly Cup Playoff ticket packages are available. Fans interested in purchasing playoff packages may contact the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-7825 (PUCK). 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 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. Seat packages to see the Wranglers play at the Orleans Arena for the upcoming 2008-09 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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