Wranglers sign Attard and Wright

Published on July 1, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Las Vegas Wranglers News Release


Las Vegas, NV - The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today the team has signed center Jeff Attard and forward Doug Wright for the 2004-05 season presented by TahitiPetey. Las Vegas also released the team's protected list.

"Doug came in and exceeded all expectations we had for him," said Wranglers General Manager/ Head Coach Glen Gulutzan. "He competed hard for his job and did well. He's a 20-goal scorer who will improve and be more of a force this coming season. We expect him to pick up where he left off when last season ended. Jeff Attard is a solid individual who brings a lot of energy and plays hard every night and that is what we are looking for here. He provides us with a great two-way-player."

The 24-year old Wright had a promising rookie campaign with the Wranglers last season. In 72 games, Wright scored 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points, as well as adding 104 penalty minutes. The first-year pro became the first player in Las Vegas history to score 20 goals in one season and was one of four players to suit up in every game of the regular season. Wright's six game-winning goals placed him second best on a Wranglers team which posted 43 wins. In January, the Kamsack, SK native earned a single-game call-up to the American Hockey League's Chicago Wolves picking up an assist. Wright's older brother Tyler, is a center for the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets.

"I had a great time in Las Vegas for my first year pro," said Wranglers forward Doug Wright. "I enjoyed spending time with all the guys they brought in. Coach Gulutzan and the fans of Las Vegas treated me well. I felt I improved as the season progressed and I'm looking forward to coming back."

Attard set career highs last year with 70 games played. The London, ONT native finished with 16 goals and 28 assists for 44 points. He added 86 penalty minutes. Attard led the team with seven game-winning goals, finished third with six power-play goals and his 44 points placed him fourth best on the Las Vegas squad. For his career, the fourth-year pro has 36 goals and 67 assists for 102 points in 171 games played.

"Las Vegas has some great fans here," said Wranglers center Jeff Attard. "I was treated well by the organization. We have a great core of players coming back from last year's team. I plan on working hard and doing what ever is best for this team to succeed."

Jeff Attard and Doug Wright join Jason McBain and Mike McBain as signed Wranglers returning for the 2004-05 season presented by TahitiPetey.

The Wranglers also released their protected list of players today. Each team was entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Players on open qualifying offers can not be traded. The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until August 1, at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

Las Vegas Wranglers Protected List:

Morten Ask (C) = 67 GP, 25 G, 34A, 59 PTS Greg Day (C) = 67 GP, 20 G, 44A, 64 PTS

Dave Cousineau (D) = 69 GP, 17G, 15A, 32 PTS, ECHL All-Star Kevin O'Flaherty (C) = 32 GP, 4G, 11A, 15 PTS

Justin Kelly (RW) = 31 GP, 12 G, 11 A, 23 PTS, ECHL All-Star

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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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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