GULUTZAN ACCEPTS AHL HEAD COACHING POSITION IN TEXAS
The Las Vegas Wranglers announced today that General Manager and Head Coach Glen Gulutzan has accepted an offer to be the Head Coach of the American Hockey League’s Texas Stars in Cedar Park, Texas.
"Our organization is very proud of Glen and all of his accomplishments here in Las Vegas," said Wranglers owner Charles Davenport. "Although we are sad to see him leave, we are delighted that he has earned this opportunity as the new Head Coach of the Texas Stars of the American Hockey League. In his time in Las Vegas, Glen has created a winning atmosphere and a tradition of excellence. Glen is not only a great coach, but an even better person and we wish him the best of luck and continued success in his new role.
“We have already begun the search for a new head coach and we hope to be making an announcement about Glen's successor in the next couple of weeks."
Gulutzan was the only coach in Las Vegas history, posting a 254-124-55 (.650) mark in six seasons. He had tremendous success with the Wranglers, including three straight 100+ point seasons from 2005-2008 – a first for any team in the 21-year history of the ECHL. The 37-year-old guided Las Vegas to the Kelly Cup Finals in 2008 and the Conference Finals in 2009. The team posted the fifth highest point total in ECHL history in 2005-06 with 53 wins and 112 points. Las Vegas won the Brabham Cup (regular season champions) in 2006-07 and tied the professional hockey record with 18 straight victories from March, 10 2007 to April 23, 2007. The Wranglers captured back-to-back Pacific Division Titles in 2008 and 2009. Las Vegas claimed the National Conference regular and post season titles in 2008.
The Wranglers qualified for the playoffs in five of Gulutzan’s six seasons at the helm, including their expansion season of 2003-04 when the team went 43-22-7 for 93 points. He was named ECHL Coach of the Year in 2005-06 and has been selected to coach in the ECHL All-Star Game three times, tying for the most-ever appearances. Gulutzan posted a 36-31 record in the playoffs.
The Wranglers host Opening Night on Friday, October 16, 2009 at 7:05 PM against Utah. 2009-10 season seat packages are on sale now at (702) 471-PUCK. The Wranglers play all 36 regular season home games at the Orleans Arena, located at the Orleans Hotel and Casino at 4500 W. Tropicana Avenue.
