LAS VEGAS, Nev. – With very little news coming out of the Las Vegas Wranglers of the ECHL this past week, it seems like the organization is taking a vacation prior to the start of the season. Even with the seemingly lack of information coming from the team lately, there is still some news to share. First off, two of last season’s popular stars have decided to switch clubs for next season. In better news, a four game veteran from last season joins the squad officially. After a short tryout stint for Tingsryd of the Swedish Elite League, former Wrangler Sean McMonagle has earned a spot on that clubs roster for the upcoming season. The team also features former Wranglers Chris Higgins and Dustin Johner. McMonagle joins one of the top Swedish teams for his first season outside of North America. Prior to Las Vegas, McMonagle saw playing time in the OPJHL before attending Brown University. McMonagles’ time in Las Vegas, spread over two seasons, saw him earn 11 points and 49 penalty minutes in 67 games. McMonagle also joins an ever-increasing list of former Wranglers and ECHL players who have decided to make Europe their home for next season. While not making as big of a move as McMonagle, Blair Riley has decided to join the ECHLs only expansion team, Chicago Express for next season. Riley, started his hockey career in the BCHL before attending Ferris State University, like many other Wranglers, spent his share of time in the AHL last season. Playing for San Antonio and Peoria, Riley netted three points, seven penalty minutes all in twelve games. Riley, a natural left wing, becomes one of the founding members of the Chicago Express, a club that already features former Condor Josh Burrows, former Ontario right wing Chaz Johnson and former San Diego Gulls head coach Steve Martinson. One good piece of news for Wranglers faithful is the signing of returning veteran forward Robbie Smith. Smith, a product of the AJHL and Dartmouth College, saw his first professional games late last season as a Wrangler. In five games as a Wrangler, Smith tallied one goal, two points and five minutes in the box. For fans of the pugilistic side of minor-league hockey, Smiths five penalty minutes came for a fighting major and he accrued 94 penalty minutes in 109 games for the Alberta Junior Hockey Leagues Calgary Canucks. Smith adds his name to the slowly growing list of players who have committed their talents to the Wranglers squad for next season. Other players who have found success outside of Nevada and in other leagues around North America are, J.D. Watt (AHL), Ryan Weston (AHL), Brett Tyler (SPHL), Brandon Straub (AHL), Dan Riedel (CHL) and Jason Krischuk (CHL) among others. In addition to this, former Wrangler Jason Spence spent last season as an assistant coach with the ECHLs Greenville Road Warriors and he looks to return to the club next season. Also, a player who received his pro hockey start in Las Vegas, Matt McKnight has just signed with a club in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. McKnight, who spent the last three seasons as a Steelhead in Boise, joins former Wranglers Kevin Nastiuk, Sean O’Connor and Nick Anderson in Germany. On a side note, the overseas team to watch this season, for fans of the ECHL Western Conference, would have to be the Medvescak Zagreb from Croatia. Besides former Wranglers All-Star and net minder, Michael Ouzas, the upcoming squad also features quite a few former ECHL Western Conference players. The head coach for the squad is none other than long time Bakersfield coach, Marty Raymond. With him in Croatia are former Grizzly Ryan Kinasewich, former Salmon King Geoff Waugh and former Wrangler Greg day. Former Condor and Las Vegas, NV native rejoins his Bakersfield coach in Croatia as well. They are all joined by former NHL veteran Andy Delmore and the clubs assistant coach is none other than NHL vet Don MacLean. Contact the writer at Joel.Hoopaugh@prohockeynews.com
