I finally found an Orleans employee who knew about the team’s existence and exactly where they play in the casino. No luck on finding any merchandise but there were T-shirts at a sports joint in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile.
Before he came to Austin, Head Coach Glen Gulutzan ran this team for six seasons with a .650 record, making him one of the most successful coaches in ECHL history. I would say the tradition has continued since the Stars have made it to the playoffs twice in a row despite being under 100 points.
Last Fall, I told Glen about the general cluelessness regarding his former team during my last visit to Vegas. He chuckled and told me about Wranglers’ odd yet dedicated following since the arena isn’t easily found.
Now he’s in the running to be the new head coach for the Dallas Stars which would be great. I would miss him yet Glen has proven himself to be an effective, winning coach and it all started in a city not well known for hockey.
How are the Wrangles a rival? They’re in the same division as our ECHL affiliate, the Idaho (probably Boise) Steelheads.