The Amarillo Wranglers took it on the chin this weekend in Wichita Falls, losing game one 4-1 and 5-2.
With a plethora of players out due to Covid-19 quarantine protocol, the Amarillo Wranglers took the three hour bus ride to Wichita Falls for a New Year’s weekend of games. Coming off the Christmas break, the Wranglers were severely depleted relative to players (including league wins leader goalie Max Gujtar) and coaches. Head coach Harry Mahood and assistant coach Cody Gylling were both out due to COVID-19 protocol quarantine. From my count, at least six new players were called up to fill spots as a result of Wranglers players in quarantine. Almost a third of the team’s players are currently in quarantine. A surreal moment occurred when Austin Sutter, Owner/President of the Amarillo Wranglers, took over head coaching duties for the Wranglers on Saturday Night. The team could’ve easily forfeited both games this weekend, but that’s not how hockey is played in Amarillo Texas.
The Games
Both games were played as best as possible, considering the circumstances. With this many new additions/players to the weekend roster, chemistry and timing were challenging. Three new defenseman were brought in for the weekend’s games. The Wichita Falls Warriors were hungry for wins and the perfect storm scenario absolutely came to light this weekend at Kay Yeager Coliseum for the Warriors. Friday night’s game saw the Wranglers tied 1-1 late into the third, when Warriors were able to get some nondescript shots and scored three times in the last five minutes of the game, including an empty netter. Saturday night was not much different as Amarillo fell 5-2.
The Team
The one thing this weekend showed was a committed ownership group to continue to bring the highest quality hockey to the Texas Panhandle. This is not just Amarillo’s team, it’s the panhandle’s team. Last year’s season saw many Covid-19 challenges. This season is showing different Covid-19 challenges and it has been my experience that most teams in the Wrangler’s situation this weekend would’ve forfeited the games. The one silver lining this weekend was able to convey is that the Amarillo Wranglers are here to play meaningful hockey, do the right things with “Pride and Purpose”. On Saturday afternoon, Austin Sutter, Owner/President of the Wranglers, received notification that both of his coaches would be going into COVID-19 protocol quarantine and he had to be in Wichita Falls to take over the coaching duties. Without hesitation and during some sketchy/challenging road conditions, Sutter got to Kay Yeager Coliseum without a moment to spare to take over coaching duties. We would’ve all loved a storybook ending with a “Rudy” like victory for the Wranglers, but hockey isn’t fair like that. The good news is the team is on the mend, players are getting released from quarantine, and this weekend at the Budweiser Bullpin should be rockin’.
The Amarillo Wranglers (18-10-0-1, 37 points) are in third place in the NAHL South Division, one point behind the Odessa Jackalopes and three points behind the New Mexico Ice Wolves. The Wranglers open up a three-game homestand against the Odessa Jackalopes starting Friday at Amarillo Civic Center’s Budweiser Bullpen.