Wranglers Claim Ben Parker off Waivers

Published on March 25, 2014 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas - The Las Vegas Wranglers have claimed former Alaska Aces first-year defenseman Ben Parker off waivers today. As a senior at Canisius College in 2012-13, Parker paced the team in plus-minus while helping their penalty killing unit post a 90.1 percent conversion rate, which ranks 11th all-time in NCAA history. Parker made his professional debut this season with Alaska, appearing in 41 games and posting five points to go along with 23 penalty minutes and a plus nine rating.

"We're really excited about adding Ben," said Head Coach and General Manager Mike Madill. "He's a good all-around defenseman, but most importantly he's very good at keeping the puck out of the net."

Parker, 23, began his hockey career in the OPJHL with the Bowmanville Eagles, totaling 22 points (6g, 16a) over 49 games during the 2007-08 season. The following year, the six-foot 185 lb. defenseman returned back to the Eagles, this time in the OJHL, posting another 22 points (7g, 15a) over 48 games that season. Over the two years Parker also skated in 11 combined playoff games, totaling two points and 10 penalty minutes over that stretch.

In 2009-10 the right-handed blue-liner made his way to the collegiate level in his first of four seasons with the Canisius College Golden Griffins in Buffalo, New York. Over his four-year tenure with the Golden Griffins, Parker totaled 27 points, 76 PIM and a plus nine rating over 132 games, while being named to the AHA All-Academic Team each year. In his senior campaign, Parker helped propel Canisius College to their first ever NCAA tournament berth by winning the AHA conference crown during the regular season.

The Port Perry, Ontario native was also a key member of the Golden Griffin's penalty killing unit that year, which set a school record in 2012-13 by killing off 90.1 percent of their opponent's extra-man chances. The mark was good for 11th best all-time in NCAA history, with Parker's plus-minus rating of 10 pacing the team.

After his senior season concluded, Parker signed a contract with the ECHL's Alaska Aces on Sept. 19, 2013, beginning his professional career at the start of the 2013-14 season. Parker appeared in 41 total games with Alaska this year, totaling five points along with a plus-minus rating of nine before being placed on waivers.

In a related move, the Wranglers have also released defenseman Bryce Reddick and goaltender Josh Watson.

Parker will be donning the number "27" jersey on Wednesday night when the team travels to Ontario to take on the Reign at 7:05pm. The team will then travel back to Las Vegas for their final home weekend series of the season, a three-game set against Parker's old team, the Alaska Aces, on Friday, Mar. 28, Saturday Mar. 29 and Sunday Mar. 30. Saturday's game will feature the final free post-game concert of the season as Todd Snider will take the stage following the final period.

Group tickets for the Wranglers' 11th season are on sale now! With five different event options for groups of 10 or more, a Wranglers game is the perfect way to celebrate with friends, host a unique corporate outing, or fundraise for your organization. Groups can save 35 percent off regular game-day ticket prices, and luxury packages start at just $300 with food and drink options available. For more information, contact the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-7825 or visit wranglers.co . Don't forget to find the Wranglers on Facebook and follow @WranglersLV on Twitter for the latest updates.

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