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Las Vegas Adds Record Setting Goalie Decaro

September 11, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


LAS VEGAS, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that the team has agreed to terms with goalie John DeCaro.

"We have had the luxury of great goaltending over the first five seasons here in Las Vegas," said General Manager Glen Gulutzan. "John is a goalie that we feel will continue that tradition for the Wranglers. His record over the last two seasons speaks for itself. He is a big goalie that has the capabilities to make hard saves look easy. He comes highly recommended out of the Central Hockey League (CHL)."

DeCaro will enter his third full season of professional hockey after spending the last two years with the CHL's Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. DeCaro set CHL single season records with 11 shutouts, a 1.63 goals against average and a .941 save percentage. The Marysville, WA native posted a 27-6-3 mark in 38 appearances with the Mudbugs in 2007-08. For his efforts, the 2008 CHL All-Star garnered CHL Goalie of the Year Honors and was selected to the All-CHL team for the second straight season. In his rookie season with Bossier-Shreveport in 2006-07, DeCaro posted a 23-7-4 record with a 2.20 goals against average and a .931 save percentage with two shutouts. The 25-year old capped off his rookie season as the CHL Goalie of the Year, a 2007 CHL All-Star and he was a member of the CHL's All-Rookie Team. In all, the third year goalie posted a 50-13-7 record, a 1.91 goals against average, a.936 save percentage and 13 shutouts in his first two seasons with the Mudbugs.

"I would probably say the biggest factor in my signing is that Las Vegas wins," said DeCaro. "Every player wants to play for a winning organization and the Wranglers have been a powerhouse out West for years. I felt I needed to play in the ECHL in an attempt to gain more attention from the AHL and NHL. I have heard nothing but good things about Las Vegas and I can't wait to get there and start the season so we can take run at a Kelly Cup."

DeCaro made a two-game appearance with the AHL's Philadelphia Phantoms during his rookie season in 2006-07. During his brief stint with the Phantoms, DeCaro posted a 0-2-0 record with a 3.49 goals against average. DeCaro began his pro career in 2005-06. After two seasons at the University of Alaska-Anchorage, DeCaro turned pro, signing with the Alaska Aces for the final month of the season. He made four appearances with the Aces, going 1-1-2 with a 2.65 goals against average. Prior to playing at UAA, DeCaro played one season at Ferris State University before transferring. In three seasons of collegiate hockey, DeCaro went 12-24-4 with a 3.71 goals against average and a .892 save percentage.

With the addition of DeCaro, the Wranglers have announced a total of nine players signed for the 2008-09 season. Defensemen Gerard Miller, Bret Tyler, Jason Dest and Mike Madill have all agreed to terms for 2008-09. Forwards Tyler Mosienko, Adam Miller, Matt Beaudoin and Brandon Kaleniecki have also signed. More player signings will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

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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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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