• Sports News

Wranglers Claw Eighth Win in a Row from Grizzlies

The Las Vegas Wranglers won their eighth game in a row tonight, beating the Utah Grizzlies 5-2 on a three-point night from center Judd Blackwater and 29 saves from rookie goaltender Jody O’Neill.

Late in the first period, Wranglers right wing Sean Wiles put the team on the board with his 15th goal of the season. The momentum carried over into the second, and just 1:53 in, Blackwater sniped a shot in from the blueline to make it a 2-0 game for Las Vegas. Utah turned around and scored off the stick of defenseman Nick Tuzzolini, but a goal from Wranglers center Eric Lampe put the Grizzlies at a 3-1 disadvantage for three minutes as forward Kory Falite narrowed the Vegas lead to 3-2 at the end of the second.

The third period belonged to the Wranglers as Blackwater tallied his second goal of the night seven minutes in. The 4-2 score held until the final 49 seconds when Wranglers defenseman Mike Madill notched a power play goal on an empty net, giving Las Vegas the 5-2 victory for their eighth win in a row. O’Neill, appearing in net for the Wranglers in just his second pro start, stopped 29 shots to improve to a 2-0-0 record.

The Wranglers return home for two games against the Idaho Steelheads starting Friday, Feb. 15, at 7:05 p.m., and the first 1,000 fans through the door will receive a free team trading card set. On Sunday, Feb. 17, the puck drops at 11:59 p.m. for the second annual Wranglers Midnight Circus, featuring live aerialist and contortionist acts on the concourse and ice.

Tonight’s full box score can be found here.

Celebrating 10 seasons of Wranglers hockey this year, group events are available at all home games, including pre-game ice skating parties, private luxury suites, and rink-side catered party boxes. Groups of ten or more can sit together starting at $13 per ticket, and feature perks such as in-game group recognition and “buy one, get one free” Chuck-A-Puck vouchers. 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. Visit: www.lasvegaswranglers.com