THE WRANGLERS ARE BACK IN TOWN

By: Braedyn Wozniak, RP Show Intern

With the relocation of the Stockton Heat back to Calgary this year, the Calgary Wranglers are back in the AHL.

The “Wranglers” name derives from the long-gone WHL team that played from 1977 to 1987. The name has been re-born as the Flames AHL affiliate has been brought home.

Newly-named Wranglers Vice President Mike Moore sat down with Rod Pedersen Wednesday at Grey Eagle Resort & Casino to break down what it means for hockey fans in Calgary.

“It’s neat bringing the brand back for sure,” Moore told The RP Show. “Early on, we’ve had a great following. People are excited to come down to the Saddledome and watch American League Hockey.”

The rebrand has been a huge success so far. The team still has the red, but traded in the blue secondary colour for the yellow, so it matches the Flames colourways.

“The jerseys are terrific,” said Moore. “I’ve had a lot of good feedback on the jerseys, so it’s been a good, exciting start to the American League coming to Calgary.”

The team has seen great early success in their first 10 games in the Saddledome. Playing in a hockey crazed town like Calgary provides a great venue for AHL action.

“The Saddledome is a great place to play,” he said. “Opening night, I think we have 6,000 people in the building, so a little different what was happening in Stockton. We’re real excited to have them right in our backyard.”

The Wranglers currently boast a 5-5 record in their new home. Having the team play in the same building as their NHL team allows the fans of the Flames to watch the team’s prospects play at a discount.

“Now you can come see the up-and-comers and watch pro hockey at a very reasonable price,” said Moore. “Those guys are trying to get to the big league … it’s great that Flames fans can follow the young guys and watch their development.”

The Flames will continue to be the hot ticket in town, especially with the Stampeders season being over and the talented Flames roster.

But having the Wranglers playing in Calgary makes it all the more easy for Flames management to find and develop that talent.

“In three weeks of playing you’re seeing development already. It’s kind of neat to watch them continue to grow.”

Goalie prospect Dustin Wolf and forward prospect Jakob Pelletier are just two pieces of the Flames prospect pool fans might be interested in watching this year.

“Flames hockey’s watching all the time. They’re right there, they’re working with them, they’re helping them develop in growth, sharing ideas together.”

(The Rod Pedersen Show airs daily at 10 am MT on Game+ TV and WQEE Radio. It’s available across Alberta & BC on Telus, and on Bell/MTS in Manitoba)