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Madill, Blackwater Lace Up Again for Las Vegas Wranglers

The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that defenseman and team captain Mike Madill and center Judd Blackwater have agreed to terms with the team for the upcoming season (Pictured: Judd Blackwater – Photo credit: Ryan Gallegos). 

Madill, 30, will be returning for his fifth season with Las Vegas after donning the captain’s “C” for the first time last year. Over his Wranglers career, the 5-foot-11, 194-pound blueliner has recorded 112 points (20 goals, 92 assists) in 275 games, setting a new club record for most career games after surpassing the previous record of 258 games. The ECHL veteran, with 342 games played since 2006, also brings American Hockey League experience to the team after stints with the Houston Aeros, Quad City Flames and Milwaukee Admirals. A native of Kirkland, Quebec, Madill turned pro after four years (2002-06) at St. Lawrence University, where he notched 63 points (14 goals, 49 assists) in 154 games.

Photo credit: Greg McFalls.

“Mike is a huge part of the Las Vegas community, and the community is a big part of him,” said Wranglers Head Coach and General Manager Ryan Mougenel. “His leadership and character make me lucky as a coach to have him. He did a tremendous job leading the guys last season, and we’re fortunate to have our captain back as an extension of our staff.”

Blackwater, 25, was the third highest scorer for the Wranglers last season, tallying 56 points (21 goals, 35 assists) in 46 regular-season games and 14 more points (6 goals, 8 assists) in the playoffs. During the season, the 6-foot, 193-pound center went on an 11-game point-scoring streak, racking up nine goals, 12 assists and a hat trick before getting called up to the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat. He previously played in the AHL in 2008-09, scoring three goals for the Rockford IceHogs and a goal and assist with the Rochester Americans. Hailing from Lethbridge, Alberta, Blackwater has previously played for the ECHL’s Stockton Thunder, Alaska Aces and now-defunct Fresno Falcons.

“Judd’s commitment to the game, and his own conditioning, was a major reason why he saw significant time in the American Hockey League last year, and put out the numbers he did for us,” said Mougenel. “He’s a fun player to watch and I look to him to be a huge offensive catalyst this year.”

The Wranglers face the Stockton Thunder in the team’s home opening weekend on Friday, Oct. 19, and Saturday, Oct. 20, at 7:05 p.m. The team’s home preseason game against the Ontario Reign takes place next week on Thursday, Oct. 4, at 7:05 p.m.

Celebrating 10 seasons of Wranglers hockey this year, 2012-13 ticket plans are on sale now. Packages start at $93 and can be customized for five, 12 or 22-game plans. Full season tickets come with benefits including buddy passes, exclusive events, a team shop discount and more. Take advantage of the best deals by calling the Wranglers front office at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at Orleans Arena, located next to the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Ave.
For more information, visit www.lasvegaswranglers.com