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Spang, Watt and Hamilton Arrive From AHL

April 13, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that defenseman Dan Spang, right wing J.D. Watt and forward Mike Hamilton have returned from the American Hockey League.

Spang returns after he spent the last 24 games in Syracuse of the AHL, scoring three goals and adding ten assists for 13 points. During his 17 games stretch with Las Vegas, the defenseman scored twice and dished out ten assists for 12 points. In 30 games with Quad City before joining Las Vegas, Spang scored a goal and added seven assists for eight points. Wednesday night in Bakersfield, Spang is expected to make his professional playoff debut.

The 6-foot, 205-pound defender was drafted by the NHL's San Jose Sharks in the second round (#52 overall) of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft. The 25-year old has 18 goals and 71 assists for a total of 89 points in 204 career games. Prior to turning pro, Spang played four seasons at Boston University. In146 games with the Terriers, the Winchester, MA native totaled 20 goals and 50 assists for 70 points.

Rookie forward J.D. Watt returns from the Quad City Flames, where he appeared in 42 AHL games with the Flames this year, recording two assists and placing second on the team with 146 penalty minutes. Watt played in 18 games with Las Vegas in November and December. He recorded 14 points (five goals and nine assists) during his time in Las Vegas, including his first career hat trick against Phoenix on November 8th.

Watt was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (#111 overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. The 21-year old played five seasons in the WHL for Vancouver, Regina and Red Deer. Watt played in 255 regular season WHL games, scoring 62 times and totaling 141 points. Watt finished among team leaders in penalty minutes, racking up 763 over his WHL career. The Cremona, AB native won a Memorial Cup with Vancouver (WHL) in 2007.

Hamilton returns to Las Vegas after a long stint with the Chicago Wolves of the AHL. In 30 games with the Wolves, Hamilton tallied three goals and five points. The 26-year old also played 17 games in the AHL this season with Houston, recording a goal and four assists for five points. Hamilton has played in 22 games for the Wranglers, posting six goals and six assists for 12 points.

Hamilton spent the bulk of his first season in Gwinnett (ECHL) and had a stint in the Calder Cup Playoffs with Chicago. In 72 games with the Gladiators, Hamilton scored 23 times and set up 27 others en route to a 50-point season. The 6-foot, 200-pounder also played in eight playoff games for Gwinnett, totaling six assists and eight points. After Gwinnett was knocked out of the Kelly Cup Playoffs, Hamilton joined the Chicago Wolves, who went on to win the AHL's Calder Cup. Hamilton scored once in six playoff appearances for the Wolves.

The series shifts to Bakersfield for Games Three, Four and Five at Rabobank Arena at 7:00 PM. Game Three is set for Wednesday, April 15th and Game Four is slated for Friday, April 17th in Bakersfield. The Condors will host Game Five on Saturday, April 18th at 7:30 PM. If needed, the series will shift back to Las Vegas for Games Six and Seven at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena. Game Six is slated for Tuesday, April 21st and if needed, Game Seven is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22nd.

Pacific Division Semi-Finals Las Vegas vs. Bakersfield

Game 1: Bakersfield 1 at Las Vegas 3 F

Game 2: Bakersfield 3 at Las Vegas 2 F (Series tied 1-1)

Game 3: Las Vegas at Bakersfield on Wednesday, April 15th at 7:00 PM at Rabobank Arena

Game 4: Las Vegas at Bakersfield on Friday, April 17th at 7:00 PM at Rabobank Arena

Game 5: Las Vegas at Bakersfield on Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 PM at Rabobank Arena

Game 6: Bakersfield at Las Vegas on Tuesday, April 21st at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena - X

Game 7: Bakersfield at Las Vegas on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena - X

Best of Seven Series X = If Necessary

Playoff strip packages are available immediately at (702) 471-7825 (PUCK).

2009-10 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. Individual game tickets are on sale now at (702) 284-7777.



ECHL Stories from April 13, 2009


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