The Wranglers spoiled their fans with three consecutive 100-point seasons, an ECHL record. Their coach and general manager, Glen Gulutzan, made winning look routine. He was even named the ECHL coach of the year three seasons back.

This year was more of a struggle and thus revealed the true nature of Gulutzan’s grit. That the Wranglers made the ECHL semifinals was a strong statement about the season. This was not the juggernaut team of the past. ECHL rules capping the number of veterans at four discourages dynasties. Teams must rebuild every so often and the Wranglers faced that chore this year.

They were basically a .500 team and were in no man’s land much of the year. By December, they knew they would make the playoffs because a team folded. For three months, they played for pride alone, but still managed to turn up the heat in the playoffs.

They battled through two playoff rounds, won important overtime games and prevailed twice at home in game 7s. Whether one cites the improved defensive discipline or the playoff-enhanced power play, Gulutzan found a way to push the team beyond its natural limits.

By Dave Bontempo

Casino Connection Sports Editor Dave Bontempo is an award-winning sports writer and broadcaster who calls boxing matches all over the world. He has covered the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, as well as numerous PGA, LPGA and Seniors Golf Tour events, and co-hosted the Casino Connection television program with Publisher Roger Gros.