Wranglers Pick Up Ryan Weston

The Las Vegas Wranglers, ECHL affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes and San Antonio Rampage, have signed free agent forward Ryan Weston.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, 25-year-old Boston University graduate spent his first professional season last year with the River Rats. In 63 games, he notched nine goals, seven assists, and 79 penalty minutes.

"He’s a guy that goes to the net extremely hard," said Wranglers head coach and general manager Ryan Mougenel to the Las Vegas Sun. "He doesn’t play with reckless abandon, but he plays hard and he gives us an element that we need. He is a player that comes from a great college program and he played a full season in the American league. That type of experience will be huge for us."

Canes Add More Depth, Sign Goertzen

The Carolina Hurricanes' latest signing Steven Goertzen (left) will likely see time in Albany next season
(Photo Reuters)

The Hurricanes continue to add depth within their organization, announcing today the signing of "gritty" 6-foot-2, 216-pound winger Steven Goertzen to a two-way contract.

“Steven adds needed size and grit to our organization’s group of forwards,” said Hurricanes' VP and Assistant GM Jason Karmanos, according to the team's press release. “He is an experienced depth player who will help Albany, and also can contribute at the NHL level.”

Goertzen, 25, is known for being a solid checking forward. He throws his weight around, plays a strong defensive game, kills penalties, and drops his gloves when necessary. With a total of 62 NHL and 317 AHL games under his belt, he also brings experience.

A 2002 seventh round Columbus draft pick, Goertzen began his professional career in 2004 with the Syracuse Crunch. The native of Stony Plain, Alberta, has been bouncing back and forth between the NHL and AHL ever since.

In 317 AHL contests, Goertzen has accumulated 34 goals, 42 assists and 514 penalty minutes.

Two seasons ago Goertzen was picked up by the Phoenix Coyotes and subsequently assigned to their AHL affiliate San Antonio Rampage. Last year he was called up to the Coyotes for 16 games, earning two goals, two assists and 24 minutes in the box.