Achi news desk-
With their big 2-0 win against the division-leading Coachella Valley Thunderbirds on Wednesday night, the Calgary Wranglers pulled within three points of second place in the Pacific Division.
As good as that sounds, the Wranglers are just four points behind Abbotsford for seventh and final place in the tight Pacific.
Calgary Wrangler captain Brett Sutter says the team isn’t worried about who it will meet in the 2024 AHL playoffs
Captain Brett Sutter says it doesn’t matter who they face in the playoffs.
“I think you want to put yourself in the best position possible,” the veteran continued.
“You know, I don’t think it really matters who we play in our division. I think it’s pretty deep from top to bottom. But as you say it’s more about us getting our game in order and knowing what it takes to be successful and I think we’re starting to find that niche in our game.”
COULD CLINCH ON FRIDAY
The Wranglers take on the San Jose Barracuda at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday afternoon.
And there is a possibility that they could clinch a play-off spot with a win.
Forward Mitch McLain says it would be nice to get it done.
“It’s exciting,” he said.
“When you come into the year you want to make the playoffs and it’s one of our goals as a team,” Sutter added. “But we come in every day and take one game at a time. It’s about winning that next game.”
PROMOTING EXCITING CHILDREN
There is an exciting build-up to the game on Friday afternoon. They call it “Kids Friyay”.
Nathan MacDonald is AHL’s business operations manager. He says they have stepped things up for the kids.
“We have free t-shirts for the first 2,000 kids through the door,” he said.
“We have craft pancakes, Wrangler “W” pancakes and we have face painting and balloon twisting and we have sponsored kids drawing on the lobby with a big kids activity zone.”
“And then on the way out we have the last of a series of next generation posters that we’ll be handing out to fans who cover Matt Coronato in this issue,” he added. “So many exciting things and it should be. a fun day.”
CHILDREN HELP TO BRIGHTEN THE ATMOSPHERE
They are almost sold out in the lower bowl and have started selling tickets in the second level of the Saddledome.
McLain says it’s always great to have lots of kids in the stands.
“When we fill the building and especially with the kids they have a great time during the game and whatever else,” he said.
“One thing I’ve always kept in mind is that I was a kid once,” McLain said, “and those guys who played were my heroes — so we have an example to look up to set and we’re going to give them a good show. inspiring to them.”
The captain agrees.
“I think the kids bring the most energy,” he said.
“So for us to hear them in the crowd screaming and having fun, that’s what brings us the most joy and you remember what it was like to be that age and to come and have an experience like that.
“We enjoy days like that,” added Sutter, “and hopefully tomorrow (Friday) is a good one for us.”
The puck drops between the Wranglers and Barracuda just after 1:00pm on Friday.
