Wranglers re-sign McBain brothers

Published on June 24, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today the team re-signed defensemen Jason McBain and Mike McBain for the 2004-05 season presented by TahitiPetey. The brothers were the first two players signed in team history and the first two signed this off-season.

"We are very excited to have both players back," said Wranglers General Manager Glen Gulutzan. "They are elite players at this level and their leadership is invaluable to our team. The McBains are the backbone of what we are trying to accomplish here and that's a Kelly Cup."

Jason McBain returns for his second season with the Wranglers after earning ECHL All-Second Team honors in 2003-04. The 30-year old defenseman is the only Captain in Wranglers history. The 11-year veteran finished sixth best in the ECHL among defensemen in scoring with 11 goals and 44 assists for 55 points in 72 games. The 55 points last season are the second highest total in McBain's career and the most he has ever scored with one team in a season. McBain set a team-record with four assists against Fresno on January 31st, 2004. He also finished fourth in the league among defensemen with a +30 rating and with 237 shots on goal. The Kimberly, BC native was drafted by the Hartford Whalers, now Carolina Hurricanes, in Round 4 (#81 Overall) in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft. McBain played nine games with the NHL's Hartford Whalers between 1995 and 1997. McBain was a member of 2001-02 Taylor Cup Champion Fresno Falcons in the WCHL. The 6-foot-3, 210-pounder also won the AHL's Calder Cup with the Providence Bruins in 1998-99.

"I'm happy to be coming back and hopefully we can build on last year's success to go further in the playoffs," said Wranglers defenseman Jason McBain. "We had such a great fan turnout this past year and hopefully we can get more fans out this year."

Brother Mike McBain will return for his second season with the team. The 27-year old defenseman set career highs last year with five goals and 20 assists for 25 points, while adding 95 penalty minutes in 72 games. His +19 rating placed him fifth best on the Wranglers during the 2003-04 season. The Kimberly, BC native will play his eighth season professionally and his second in the ECHL. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound defenseman was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in Round 2 (#30 Overall) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. McBain played 64 games with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning between 1997-1999 picking up 7 assists.

"Being in Las Vegas with my brother was a huge factor in returning", said Mike McBain. "I had a good season last year and the team did very well. The Wranglers have something good going on here and I feel we can build on last year and move on further in the playoffs."

Fans may purchase seats to the Wranglers Opening Night on November 2nd as well as all other 35 regular season home games on the team's website (www.lasvegaswranglers.com) or any of the following ticket locations; The Orleans Arena Box Office, Coast Casinos' showroom box offices at The Orleans, Gold Coast and Suncoast, or at the Boulevard, Galleria or Meadows Malls guest relations/ticket centers.

Opening Night for the Las Vegas Wranglers 2004-05 season, presented by TahititPetey is Tuesday, November 2nd against the Long Beach Ice Dogs at 7:05 pm. The regular season concludes Saturday, April 9th against the Alaska Aces. The Wranglers play all 36 home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue. Seat packages to see the Wranglers play at the Orleans Arena for the upcoming 2004-05 season are now on sale, starting as low as $150. Call (702)-471-7825 for more information or visit www.lasvegaswranglers.com.

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