LAS VEGAS WRANGLERS

by Ed Bruce edbrucevegas@yahoo.com

The quest for the Kelly Cup is on....the Las Vegas Wranglers with their third 100 point season in a row in hand are poised for their most serious challenge to the crown in their 5 year history.

As I was leaving the media post playoff press conference a reporter asked one of the Wrangers..."what will you do differently this year to go all the way" I did not get the answer but having followed this team for 30 of its 36 home games this year and followed the team for 5 years.....there is no answer. The competition is fierce, the ability of the teams is even and the theme I write by (you have to play the game) is the answer. It is simplistic, but there is so little difference in ability levels here that the bounce of a puck and super hard work determine the outcome. Here is the rub....this is why you and I go to the games...doubt about the outcome and evenly fought hard contested contests....the Kelly Cup playoffs will be the best of that.

Had a chance to meet two of the players and just reading impressions, goalie Kevin Lalande (17-5-4) with a 2.05 GAA and defenseman Aaron Power (64 gp 9 goals 27 assists) presented themselves as hungry young men trying to do well and advance their careers....nothing out of class here.

Friday and Saturday at the Orleans Arena at 707...Las Vegas, Nevada...the worlds best and best run hockey arena in the world and still close to the poker room.