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Las Vegas Wranglers Sign Chris Francis as First 2013-14 Player

The Las Vegas Wranglers announced their first player signing for the 2013-14 season today, with center Chris Francis returning to the team for his fourth season (Wranglers center Chris Francis controls the puck last season – Photo credit: IIA Photography). 

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Francis posted 21 goals and 48 points with the Wranglers in 2012-13. The 24-year-old was also named to the 2013 ECHL All-Star Team, and was the lone representative for the Wranglers on the squad. In three seasons with the team, the six-foot-one, 161-pound center has tallied 36 goals and 91 points in front of his hometown.

“Chris is a dynamic player that can score every night,” said Wranglers General Manager and Head Coach Mike Madill. “He’s become very dependable in the D-zone, and I’m glad to have him back.”

Before joining the Wranglers, Francis spent four seasons with the Portland Winter Hawks of the Western Hockey League, recording 66 goals and 189 points in 279 games. He also appeared in four games with the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons in 2010-11, collecting a goal and an assist.

“Vegas is my home, and it’s always fun to play in front of people you know,” said Francis. “As a young guy, I want to have a better year than last year, and contribute to team success, as making it to the [Kelly Cup] finals is always a goal.”

The Wranglers open their eleventh season of hockey in Las Vegas on Saturday, Oct. 19, at 7:05 p.m. against the Utah Grizzlies. For details on all 72 Wranglers games, please click here for a one-page PDF of the Wranglers’ schedule.

Season tickets for the Wranglers’ 11th season are on sale now. The Wranglers offer flexible payment options on all plans, and 2013-14 packages start at just $200. Full season tickets can be reserved for as low as 25 percent down, and include benefits such as buddy passes, exclusive team events, and merchandise discounts. For more information, contact the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-7825 or visit wranglers.co. Don’t forget to find the Wranglers on Facebook and follow @WranglersLV on Twitter for the latest updates.