Las Vegas names McBain Assistant Coach

Published on September 9, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


LAS VEGAS, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that the team has named Mike McBain the Assistant Coach for the 2008-09 season.

"I really can't say enough good things about Mike McBain and what he has meant to the organization over the last five years," said General Manager Glen Gulutzan. "He was an easy choice because of his experience and knowledge of our organization. He knows our systems, he knows how I operate and he understands what it takes to win. He was a great hockey player and Captain for us and we expect nothing less from him as an assistant coach."

Prior to his retirement, after only two games of action in 2007-08, McBain played four full seasons in Las Vegas from 2003-07. The 31-year old remains the Wranglers all-time leader in games played with 258 games played, the only player in team history to accumulate more than 200 career games. The former defender also accumulated a career +51 (plus-minus) in his five seasons, the highest total in team history. From 2005-07, McBain captained the team to a 99-25-20 mark and two second round Kelly Cup Playoff appearances. The Kimberly, BC native finished his Las Vegas career with 11 goals and 63 assists for 74 points. His 270 penalty minutes rank fourth on the team's all-time list. McBain played in two games last season for Las Vegas, recording six penalty minutes and suiting up for the 600th time in his pro career. Along with his older brother Jason, the McBains were the first two players signed in team history in September of 2003.

"I am excited about this new opportunity in my hockey career", said McBain. "I think when I was a player here we set the bar pretty high for what was acceptable in Las Vegas. As an assistant coach it won't be any different. I plan on bringing the same work ethic I brought to the ice. This organization has been very good to me while I have been here and I am thrilled to continue working with this team. We want to win a championship here and I want to be a part of it."

The former defenseman was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 2 (#30 Overall) of the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. McBain picked up seven assists in 64 games with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning between 1997 and 1999. In 601 career games over 11 seasons, McBain scored 25 goals and dished out 120 assists for 145 points.

The Wranglers have announced a total of eight 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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