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Wranglers Introduce Trio Of Forwards

October 2, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


LAS VEGAS, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today the team has agreed to terms with forwards Tim Spencer, Matt McKnight and Luke Hunter.

"Matt McKnight joins the long list of players we have had in Las Vegas out of UMD," said General Manager and Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. "He was an integral leader in the locker room for the Bulldogs in each of the last two seasons. Tim Spencer is a second-year winger who brings a physical presence to the ice. I think he has a lot of upside and has the potential to be a good power forward. Luke Hunter is a young man who has a lot of upside and not too many people know much about him. He put up some good numbers in the WHL."

McKnight turns pro after a four-year career at the University of Minnesota Duluth. For his college career, McKnight scored 25 goals and assisted on 44 others for a total of 69 points in 132 games. McKnight captained the team his junior and senior seasons. During his final season with the Bulldogs, McKnight scored six times and dished out 10 assists for 16 points in 33 games. McKnight becomes the fourth player from UMD to play for Las Vegas, joining Marco Peluso, Nick Anderson and Tim Hambly. The Dallas Stars drafted McKnight in the ninth round (#280 overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft. McKnight is attending training camp with the American Hockey League's Grand Rapids Griffins.

Spencer enters his second season of professional hockey after spending the 2007-08 season in Alaska. The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder scored three goals and had 12 assists for 15 points in 63 games. The left winger finished third on the Aces with 130 penalty minutes and second with 12 major penalties. The Canduff, SK native was a +7 in his first pro season. Prior to joining the Aces, Spencer played in the QMJHL with St. John's and Moncton. In 136 games, the 22-year old scored 13 times and accumulated 37 points. The physical forward also racked up 290 penalty minutes. Spencer is attending training camp with the AHL's Iowa Chops.

Hunter turns pro after five years in the WHL and one at the University of Calgary. The 23-year old did not play in 2007-08, instead Hunter toured with his family as part of a Canadian Christian musical group, The Hunter Family. The Shaunavon, SK native played five seasons with Swift Current in the WHL from 2001-2006. In 251 WHL games, Hunter scored 62 times and set up 61 others for 123 points. After playing in Swift Current, Hunter attended the University of Calgary in 2006-07. As a freshman, Hunter scored five goals and compiled 11 points in 31 games for the Dinos.

With the addition of Hunter, Spencer and McKnight, the Wranglers have announced a total of 19 players signed for the 2008-09 season. Defensemen Brandon Straub, Jim Jorgensen, Michael Beynon, Gerard Miller, Bret Tyler, Jason Dest, Mark Lutz and Mike Madill have all agreed to terms for 2008-09. Forwards Tyler Mosienko, Mike Hamilton, Jordan Hack, Chris Neiszner, Adam Miller, Matt Beaudoin and Brandon Kaleniecki have also signed. Two-time Central Hockey League Goalie of the Year John Decaro has also agreed to terms for the upcoming season.

The defending National Conference Champs hit the ice for the first time in 2008-09 on Friday, October 3rd at 9:00 am at the Las Vegas Ice Center. All practices at the Ice Center are open to the public. The team will practice at the Ice Center from October 3rd to Sunday, October 5th before moving to the Orleans Arena starting on Monday, October 6th. All practices at the Orleans Arena are closed to the public.

Las Vegas will play three preseason games starting at home with Bakersfield on Thursday, October 9th at 7:30 pm at the Orleans Arena. The Wranglers will then travel to Bakersfield to play the Condors at Rabobank Arena on Saturday, October 11th at 7:00 pm. Las Vegas will conclude its preseason schedule with a game in Ontario against the expansion Reign. The Wranglers will meet the Reign at 5:00 pm at the Center Ice Arena in Ontario, CA on Sunday, October 12th.

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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