ECHL Bakersfield Condors

Wranglers Shuffle the Deck, Taylor Returns, Two Rookies Added

March 14, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
Bakersfield Condors News Release


Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League have returned forward Justin Taylor. The team also announced forward Rob Ricci and defenseman Steve Oleksy have signed amateur tryout agreements (ATO).

Prior to his recall, Justin Taylor played in 28 games for Las Vegas, scoring nine goals and dishing out 15 assists for 24 points. In October, the 26-year old went scoreless in two games with the AHL's Houston Aeros. Taylor earned his first All-Star selection in January when the ECHL selected him to the National Conference All Star squad. In 13 games with the Wolves, Taylor scored twice and added two assists for four points.

The Edmonton, AB native is in his fifth season of professional hockey. Taylor's four previous seasons were all played at the AHL level with Omaha, Lowell and Norfolk. In an injury shortened season in 2007-08, Taylor scored three goals and totaled five points in seven games with the Norfolk Admirals. Taylor played in Omaha from 2005 to 2007, totaling 24 goals and 31 assists for 55 points in 124 games played. The 6-foot-4, 210-pound center spent his rookie season with the Lowell Lock Monsters in 2004-05.

Rob Ricci made his pro debut on Friday night against Idaho, recording his first pro point with an assist. Ricci played the last three seasons with Merrimack College. Ricci led the Warriors in scoring this season, with 11 goals and 23 points in 31 games. Overall, in 99 collegiate games, the Brampton, ON native scored 34 times and assisted on 49 others to collect 83 points.

Steve Oleksy is expected to make his pro debut on Saturday against Idaho. The 23-year old joins the Wranglers after completing three seasons at Lake Superior State University. In 38 games with the Lakers this season, Oleksy was third among defensemen on the team in scoring with nine assists in 38 games played. The Chesterfield, MI native finished second on the team with 50 penalty minutes. In three seasons at Lake Superior State, the 23-year old played in 113 games, scoring three goals and dishing out 17 assists for 20 points. Oleksy amassed 110 penalty minutes in his college career.

Las Vegas will take on the Idaho Steelheads again Saturday night at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena. The ZOOperstars! will perform at Saturday night's game. The Wranglers will host the Phoenix RoadRunners on Tuesday night at 7:30 PM at the Orleans Arena.

Pro-rated 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. Individual game tickets are on sale now at (702) 284-7777.




ECHL Stories from March 14, 2009


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