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Calgary Wranglers
Calgary Wranglers
Calgary Wranglers
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The Calgary Wranglers are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. They are members of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference of the American Hockey League (AHL). The team plays at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the home of their National Hockey League (NHL) affiliate team, the Calgary Flames.

Key Information

History

[edit]

2022–2023: First season in Calgary

[edit]

On May 23, 2022, the Calgary Flames announced the relocation of the Stockton Heat to Calgary.[1] This followed a recent trend of Canadian NHL teams moving their AHL affiliates closer to home, principally to allow for players to be called up on a shorter notice. On August 2, 2022, the team announced its name, bringing back the "Wranglers" moniker used by the WHL team of the same name from 1977 to 1987.[2] Mitch Love, the head coach of the Heat, would remain with the team during their relocation to Calgary. Ahead of the 2022–23 AHL season's start, on October 14, 2022, former Flames draft pick Brett Sutter was named as the team's first captain, with Nick DeSimone and Matthew Phillips being named as alternate captains.[3]

The Wranglers played their first game on October 16, 2022, a 6–5 loss against the Coachella Valley Firebirds.[4][5] Despite a slow start to the season,[6] the Wranglers enjoyed significant success in their inaugural year, capturing the regular season championship with 51 wins, and being awarded the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy.[7] Their overall 51–17–4 record was the ninth-best record in AHL history.[7]

The Wranglers' dominant regular season performance would result in several members of the team winning substantial awards during the inaugural season: star goaltender Dustin Wolf would win every trophy available for his position, including being named as the league's MVP.[8] Wolf, along with forward Matthew Phillips, would be named to the First All-Star Team, with defenseman Jeremie Poirier being named to the All-Rookie team.[9] Head coach Mitch Love would be named as the AHL's coach of the year, winning the Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award.[10]

As a result of capturing the Pacific Division title, the Wranglers would earn a bye past the first round of the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs. During their second-round match-up against the Abbotsford Canucks, the Wranglers would win the best-of-five series three games to one.[11] Ultimately, the Wranglers would fail to live up to their regular season success during the playoffs, losing during overtime in the fifth and final game of the third round to the Coachella Valley Firebirds.[12]

2023–2024: Sophomore season

[edit]

Following the 2022–23 season, head coach Mitch Love would earn a job as an assistant coach with the Washington Capitals.[13] Resultingly, former Vancouver Canucks assistant coach Trent Cull was hired as the Wranglers head coach for the 2023–24 season.[14] During the first half of the season the Wranglers would enjoy continued success, finishing 2023 at the top of the Pacific Division, resulting in head coach Cull being tapped as a coach for the season's All-Star Classic.[15] However, as the season wore on, many of the team's top talent was depleted, either by trades or call-ups to the Flames, and the team fell behind in a tight playoff race, not clinching their spot in the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs until March 31, 2024, nearly 3 weeks later than the previous season.[16]

Ahead of the playoffs, key players Dustin Wolf, Ilya Solovyov, Adam Klapka, and Matt Coronato would be returned to the Wranglers roster after the conclusion of the Flames 2023–24 season.[17] During the playoffs, the 7-seed Wranglers would sweep the 2-seed Tucson Roadrunners in the best-of-three first-round, moving on to face the division champions in the Coachella Valley Firebirds for a second consecutive postseason.[18][19] During the second round, the Wranglers would win game one, before losing three in a row to end their season in the best-of-five series.[20][21] Game two of the series would end controversially when the Firebirds scored the game-winning overtime goal during a sequence that appeared to be offside, with too many men, and potential goaltender and player interference, though due to league rules, the goal could not be reviewed.[20][22][23][24]

2024–Present: Flames rebuild

[edit]

Towards the end of the 2023–24 season, the Flames entered into a rebuild, trading many of their core players for prospects and draft picks.[25] This shift in strategy meant several Wranglers players would now be expected to make the full time jump to the Flames for the 2024–25 NHL season.[26] In preparation for this, the Wranglers and Flames both signed several players likely to play in the minor-leagues ahead of the 2024–25 AHL season, including goaltender Devin Cooley.[26][27]

On July 15, 2024, Wranglers captain Brett Sutter announced he would be retiring from playing, and would instead be joining the team as an assistant coach.[28]

On December 27, 2024, the Calgary Flames called up head coach Cull from the Wranglers on an interim basis as an Assistant Coach while a Flames colleague, Brad Larsen, has taken temporary leave. Wranglers assistant Joe Cirella will be the team’s interim head coach, and Flames player development staffer Martin Gelinas will join the Wranglers coaching staff on an interim basis.[29]

Season-by-season results

[edit]
Regular season Playoffs
Season Games Won Lost OTL SOL Points PCT GF GA Standing Year 1st Round Div Semi-finals Div finals Conf. finals Finals
2022–23 72 51 17 3 1 106 .736 256 174 1st, Pacific 2023 BYE W, 3–1, ABB L, 2–3, CV — —
2023–24 72 35 28 6 3 79 .549 203 212 7th, Pacific 2024 W, 2–0, TUC L, 1–3, CV — — —
2024–25 72 37 28 4 3 81 .563 230 239 5th, Pacific 2025 L, 0–2, CV — — — —

Players

[edit]

Current roster

[edit]

Updated October 31, 2025.[30]

No. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace Contract
49 Canada Andrew Basha LW L 20 2025 Calgary, Alberta Flames
22 Canada Parker Bell LW L 22 2023 Estevan, Saskatchewan Flames
19 Canada Clark Bishop (C) C L 29 2022 St. John's, Newfoundland Flames
48 United States Hunter Brzustewicz D R 20 2024 Washington, Michigan Flames
41 Canada Nick Cicek (A) D L 25 2025 Winnipeg, Manitoba Flames
17 Canada Lucas Ciona LW L 22 2023 Edmonton, Alberta Flames
29 Czech Republic Martin Frk RW R 32 2024 Pelhřimov, Czech Republic Wranglers
20 Canada Alex Gallant LW L 32 2022 Summerside, Prince Edward Island Wranglers
18 Russia Matvei Gridin RW L 19 2025 Kurgan, Russia Flames
3 Russia Artem Grushnikov D L 22 2024 Voskresensk, Russia Flames
15 Canada Dryden Hunt (A) LW L 29 2023 Cranbrook, British Columbia Flames
6 Canada Rory Kerins C L 23 2022 Caledon, Ontario Flames
44 Canada Carter King C L 24 2025 Calgary, Alberta Flames
37 Russia Yan Kuznetsov D L 23 2022 Murmansk, Russia Flames
26 Russia Daniil Miromanov D R 28 2025 Moscow, Russia Flames
21 Canada Etienne Morin D L 20 2025 Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec Flames
45 United States Sam Morton LW L 26 2024 Lafayette, Colorado Flames
2 Canada Turner Ottenbreit D L 28 2025 Yorkton, Saskatchewan Wranglers
4 Canada Jeremie Poirier D L 23 2022 Valleyfield, Quebec Flames
50 Russia Ivan Prosvetov G L 26 2025 Moscow, Russia Flames
30 Canada Owen Say G L 24 2025 London, Ontario Flames
25 Canada David Silye C R 26 2024 Arnprior, Ontario Wranglers
11 Sweden William Stromgren LW L 22 2023 Örnsköldsvik, Sweden Flames
36 Russia Aydar Suniev LW L 20 2025 Kazan, Russia Flames

Team captains

[edit]

Team records

[edit]

Records as of the end of the 2023–24 AHL regular season

Single season records[31]
Goals: 36, Matthew Phillips (2022-23)
Assists: 40, Matthew Phillips (2022-23)
Points: 76, Matthew Phillips (2022–23)
Penalty minutes: 114, Alex Gallant (2022–23)
Wins: 42, Dustin Wolf (2022–23)
GAA: 2.09, Dustin Wolf (2022–23)
SV%: .932, Dustin Wolf (2022–23)
Shutouts: 7, Dustin Wolf (2022–23)
  • Goaltending records need a minimum 25 games played by the goaltender
Single playoff records[32]
Goals: 4, Jakob Pelletier (2022-2023), Adam Klapka (2022–23), and Cole Schwindt (2023-2024),
Assists: 6, Jakob Pelletier (2022-2023), Jérémie Poirier (2022-2023), and Matthew Phillips (2022-2023)
Points: 10, Jakob Pelletier (2022-2023)
Penalty minutes: 16, Dryden Hunt (2022-2023)

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Calgary Wranglers

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The Calgary Wranglers are a team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, that competes in the (AHL) as the primary development affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) . The team plays its home games at the , sharing the venue with its NHL parent club. Established in 2022 following the relocation of the Flames' previous AHL franchise, the Stockton Heat, from , the Wranglers adopted a name with local historical ties to a prior Calgary team that played in the (WHL) from 1977 to 1987. The franchise's relocation was approved by the AHL on May 23, 2022, marking the eighth time the had shifted their primary AHL affiliate since entering the NHL in 1980. This move brought AHL hockey back to full-time after a period of affiliation with teams in various North American cities, including , and . The Wranglers' inaugural season in 2022–23 was highly successful, as they posted a league-best 51–17–4 regular-season record, securing the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy for the top overall standing in the AHL and clinching the Pacific Division title. Since their debut, the Wranglers have served as a key pipeline for talent development, with numerous players transitioning to or other NHL teams, including defensemen such as during early seasons. The team has maintained competitive form in subsequent years, contributing to the ' organizational depth amid roster rebuilds and emphasizing a fast-paced, physical style of play aligned with 's hockey traditions. As of the 2025–26 season, under head coach , the Wranglers continue to vie for playoff contention in the Pacific Division while fostering emerging prospects like forward Rory Kerins.

Franchise overview

Origins and relocation

The franchise that became the Calgary Wranglers was founded in 1977 as the Maine Mariners, an expansion team in the (AHL) serving as the primary affiliate of the , based in . Over the next several decades, the team underwent multiple relocations and name changes while shifting affiliations, beginning with a move in 1987 to , where it operated as the under the organization until 1993. It then relocated to , as the , remaining affiliated with the Devils through the 2002–03 season and achieving success including a Finals appearance in 1995. In 2003, the franchise moved to Lowell, Massachusetts, adopting the name Lowell Lock Monsters and entering a shared affiliation with the Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes; two years later, in 2005, the Flames purchased the team outright and relocated it to Omaha, Nebraska, renaming it the Ak-Sar-Ben Knights. The team continued its westward migration in 2007 to Moline, Illinois, as the Quad City Flames, before shifting to Abbotsford, British Columbia, in 2009 as the Abbotsford Heat to better align with the Flames' Pacific Division presence. Further relocations followed in 2014 to Glens Falls, New York, as the Adirondack Flames, and in 2015 to Stockton, California, where it became the Stockton Heat amid the AHL's expansion into the Pacific time zone. The decision to relocate the to stemmed from the Corporation's (CSEC) desire to bring ' primary AHL affiliate closer to home, enhancing player development and fan access after years of geographic challenges with West Coast operations. On May 23, 2022, the AHL Board of Governors approved the move, with the team set to play at the alongside . The relocation included transferring the bulk of the 's roster and operations to , ensuring continuity for ' prospect pipeline. On August 2, 2022, CSEC unveiled the new identity as the Calgary Wranglers, drawing inspiration from the historical Calgary Wranglers, a successful Western Hockey League junior team that played from 1977 to 1987 and reached the WHL finals in 1981 before relocating to become the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The name evoked Calgary's western heritage, with logos featuring a stylized "W" and cowboy motifs to honor the city's rodeo culture. Initial community integration efforts included partnerships with local organizations for youth hockey programs and ticket promotions tied to Flames games, aiming to build a dedicated fanbase in Calgary.

Affiliations and operations

The Calgary Wranglers serve as the primary (AHL) affiliate of the National Hockey League's (NHL) , a partnership formalized in 2022 to support player development and roster flexibility. Under this arrangement, prospects sign professional contracts with the Flames organization, allowing for routine call-ups to the NHL club based on performance, injuries, or needs, with seamless transitions facilitated by shared scouting and training protocols. Complementing this primary relationship, the Wranglers hold a secondary affiliation with the of the , established in 2022 and extended on a multi-year basis in July 2025 to provide an additional tier for emerging talent development. This setup enables the assignment of younger players or those needing further seasoning to the Rush, ensuring a structured progression pathway within the ' minor-league system, with 14 Rush alumni having advanced to the Wranglers or since the affiliation's inception. The Wranglers are owned by the Corporation (CSEC), a multifaceted organization that also controls the and the of the , enabling coordinated resource allocation and branding synergies across its properties. Operationally, the team plays its home games at the , an arena configured for hockey with a capacity of 19,289 spectators. Broadcasting coverage includes of all regular-season and playoff games via AHLTV on the FloHockey platform, providing fans with access to full match replays, highlights, and on-demand content through a multi-year with . Administratively, the Wranglers are led by general manager , who oversees roster construction, player acquisitions, coaching hires, and compliance with AHL regulations, while ensuring tight integration with the Flames' broader development budget and strategic priorities under the CSEC umbrella. This alignment allows for shared financial planning, including prospect contracts and facility costs, to optimize the organization's overall hockey operations.

Team identity

Logos and uniforms

The Calgary Wranglers' visual branding, established in 2022 following the relocation of the , draws on Calgary's western heritage and hockey history to create a distinct identity as the Calgary ' AHL affiliate. The primary logo features a stylized red "W" trimmed in yellow and white, with two yellow rising from the base, representing the team's energetic play and connection to the ' iconic flame motif. This design updates the crest from the historical WHL Calgary Wranglers, briefly referencing the original team's branding elements like a silhouette for continuity with the city's cowboy culture. The team's color palette consists of red, black, gold (represented as yellow accents), and white, directly inspired by the to foster affiliation while incorporating rugged western motifs such as lasso-inspired sleeve striping and spur-like details on the jerseys. These elements evoke Calgary's heritage and the annual , distinguishing the Wranglers' look from standard AHL designs. Uniforms include home white jerseys, away red jerseys, and an alternate black set, all manufactured by CCM under a extended in 2025 for five years. Shoulder patches on all jerseys display a modified "Blasty" —reimagined with a western twist—on one side and ' flaming "C" on the other, reinforcing the affiliate relationship. Special edition designs have featured a "Retro Re-Brand" uniform in December 2023, inspired by 1970s and 1980s Wranglers aesthetics with recolored historical logos, and Indigenous celebration jerseys in 2024 and 2025, the latter updating the "Every Child Matters" chest patch to red lettering for heightened visibility. In October 2025, the AHL extended its partnership with CCM for five years, continuing CCM as the official provider of jerseys and . Since 2022, the uniforms have undergone minor tweaks, such as refined fabric for better on-ice visibility and subtle adjustments to flame detailing, but the core design and color scheme have remained consistent through the 2025–26 season, maintaining brand stability amid the team's growth.

Arena and facilities

The Calgary Wranglers play their home games at the , a multi-purpose arena located in Stampede Park on the eastern edge of . Built in 1983 specifically to host events at the , the venue replaced the aging and has since served as a cornerstone of Calgary's sports infrastructure. The Saddledome's distinctive saddle-shaped roof and its role in accommodating Olympic competitions, including preliminary and medal-round hockey games, underscored Calgary's emergence as a major host for international events. With a hockey-specific seating capacity of 19,289, the arena is shared primarily with the Wranglers' parent club, the NHL's , as well as the WHL's , creating a hub for professional and junior hockey in the city. The facility underwent significant renovations in the mid-1990s to modernize its infrastructure and again in as part of a naming rights agreement with , which included upgrades to seating and amenities. However, ongoing concerns about the building's age and seismic vulnerabilities led to the announcement in 2024 of its replacement by the new Scotia Place event centre, with construction beginning that year and the Saddledome slated for in 2027; until then, it remains the Wranglers' primary venue. This shared operation falls under the Corporation, which manages logistics for all resident teams. For practice and training, the Wranglers utilize facilities at WinSport Canada Olympic Park, selected in as the team's primary off-site rink to support daily sessions, player development, and staff operations away from the main arena's high-traffic schedule. This setup provides dedicated ice time and amenities tailored for AHL-level preparation, complementing the Saddledome's role in game-day activities. During Wranglers games, the Saddledome employs a scaled-down seating configuration compared to Flames contests, utilizing primarily the lower bowl and select club sections to create an intimate atmosphere while maintaining flexibility for larger crowds. Average attendance has hovered between 3,900 and 4,100 fans per game since the team's inaugural 2022–23 season, reflecting steady community support in a venue optimized for NHL-scale events but adapted for AHL play. Prior to the Wranglers' relocation to in 2022, ' primary AHL affiliates operated in other cities with distinct venues, such as the at the 9,800-capacity Stockton Arena from 2015 to 2022 and the at the 7,000-seat Abbotsford Entertainment & Sports Centre from 2009 to 2014. These out-of-town setups contrasted with the current local integration at the Saddledome, enhancing proximity for player shuttling and fan accessibility within 's sports landscape.

History

2022–2023: Inaugural season in Calgary

The began their inaugural season in following the of the , integrating a core roster that included promising prospects like goaltender and forward , alongside veteran leaders such as forward , who was named the team's first captain on October 14, 2022. Under head coach , the team adapted quickly to the , emphasizing a high-tempo, defensively sound style that carried over from their tenure. The roster blended AHL experience with NHL call-up potential, allowing for seamless transitions as players shuttled between the and Wranglers throughout the year. The Wranglers posted an impressive 51-17-3-1 record, accumulating 106 points and securing the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the AHL's top regular-season team. Their season started with challenges, including a 6-5 home opener loss to the on October 16, 2022, but they notched their first home victory on November 4, defeating the 3-2, with Ben Jones scoring twice. Dustin anchored the defense, leading the league with 42 wins in 55 appearances, a 2.09 goals-against average, and a .932 save percentage, earning him the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL's and the Baz Bastien Memorial Award as top . Love's guidance earned him the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the league's coach of the year. In the playoffs, the Wranglers received a first-round bye as Pacific Division regular-season champions and advanced past the in the division semifinals with a decisive 4-0 series victory, highlighted by shutouts and strong special teams play. They then reached the Western Conference Finals but fell to the in seven games, ending their postseason run despite Wolf's stellar 2.67 goals-against average across 16 games. Off the ice, the Wranglers experienced a notable attendance surge, averaging 3,924 fans per regular-season home game—solid for a new franchise—but drawing 6,255 on average during the , reflecting growing local enthusiasm for professional hockey in . The team launched several outreach initiatives, including Funday family events, Rural Hockey Day to support regional youth programs, and U-13 Night in partnership with Esso Minor Hockey, fostering connections with 's grassroots hockey .

2023–2024: Building momentum

The Calgary Wranglers entered their second season following a successful inaugural campaign that saw them finish first in the Pacific Division. With new Trent Cull at the helm—hired by the organization on July 17, 2023—the team navigated a season of transition and growth. Cull, who brought experience from previous AHL head coaching stints with the and , emphasized structured play and player development throughout the year. Under Cull's guidance, the Wranglers compiled a regular-season record of 35-28-6-3, accumulating 79 points and clinching the seventh seed in the Pacific Division to qualify for the . Mid-season trades played a pivotal role in bolstering the roster, including the acquisition of promising defenseman Grushnikov from the organization, which added depth to the blue line and supported ongoing prospect integration. Clark Bishop emerged as a cornerstone of team leadership, serving as an alternate captain alongside captain and providing veteran presence with 10 goals and 22 points in 57 games, while mentoring younger players on and off the ice. The Wranglers secured a late playoff berth and delivered a stunning upset in the first round, sweeping the second-seeded in a best-of-three series with wins of 4-2 and 4-3 to advance to the Pacific Division Semifinals. Their momentum stalled in the second round, however, as they fell 1-3 to the , with injuries to key prospects such as forward limiting their depth during the series. Organizationally, the season reflected a stronger emphasis on two-way traffic between the Flames and Wranglers, with increased call-ups to —including Dustin , who appeared in 15 NHL games—and a deliberate focus on accelerating the development of young talents like forward Adam Klapka and defenseman Jeremie Poirier through high-minute roles and playoff exposure. This approach underscored the ' commitment to building a robust prospect pipeline amid their NHL challenges.

2024–2025: Adaptation and challenges

The 2024–2025 season for the Calgary Wranglers was marked by significant roster instability due to frequent recalls to the parent amid their ongoing rebuild, leading to high player turnover throughout the year. The team finished with a record of 37–28–4–3, accumulating 81 points and securing fifth place in the Pacific Division. Despite these disruptions, the Wranglers clinched a playoff berth on April 12, 2025, following a crucial loss by the that locked in their postseason position. In the first round of the Playoffs, they faced the and were swept 0–2 in the best-of-three series. Coaching changes added to the season's challenges, beginning with head coach Trent Cull's interim appointment as an assistant with the Flames on December 22, 2024, following Brad Larsen's leave of absence. This prompted assistant coach Joe Cirella to step up as interim . Injuries further strained the roster, notably veteran defenseman Jarred Tinordi's season-ending lower-body surgery in February 2025, which sidelined a key blue-liner and exacerbated defensive depth issues. Amid the flux, promising prospect Rory Kerins emerged with a breakout performance, scoring 33 goals in 63 games to lead the team in scoring. To counter the turnover from NHL recalls, the Wranglers prioritized AHL-exclusive contracts for depth players, signing several veterans and prospects to one-year deals focused on minor-league stability, such as forwards and Alex Gallant. This strategy helped maintain competitiveness despite the external pressures from ' rebuild, allowing the team to adapt and reach the playoffs for the third consecutive season. Following the season, was named the full-time head coach on June 20, 2025.

Seasons and playoffs

Regular season results

The Calgary Wranglers have competed in three full regular seasons in the (AHL) since their relocation from , in 2022, adhering to the league's standard 72-game schedule that emphasizes intra-division matchups while distributing games across conferences. This format allows for 36 home and 36 road games per team, fostering balanced competition within the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. Performance metrics, including wins, points, and goal differentials, highlight the team's evolution from a dominant inaugural campaign to more competitive mid-pack finishes.
SeasonGPRecord (W-L-OTL-SOL)PtsStanding (Pacific Division)GF–GAHead CoachLeading Scorer (Pts)
2022–237251–17–3–11061st256–174Matthew Phillips (76)
2023–247235–28–6–3797th203–212Trent CullAdam Klapka (46)
2024–257237–28–4–3815th230–239Trent CullRory Kerins (61)
Sources for table data: Overall records and standings from HockeyDB.com; leading scorers from TheAHL.com and EliteProspects.com. Point totals peaked at 106 in 2022–23, securing the league's best regular-season record and the Macgregor Kilpatrick Trophy as the top overall, before stabilizing around 80 points in later seasons amid roster transitions and tighter divisional races. Division rankings reflected this variance, dropping to seventh in 2023–24 before rebounding to fifth the following year. Home/road splits have shown consistency with slight edges in one venue per season; for instance, the 2022–23 posted a 25–10–1–0 home record and a stronger 26–7–2–1 on the road, contributing to their overall dominance. Similar patterns emerged in subsequent years, with road wins often proving crucial for playoff qualification.

Playoff history

The Calgary Wranglers have qualified for the Playoffs in each of their first three seasons of existence, compiling an overall postseason record of 8 wins and 9 losses through the 2025 playoffs. Despite strong regular-season performances that positioned them as a top contender in the Pacific Division, the team has yet to advance beyond the division finals and has not reached the Finals. Their playoff runs have been marked by competitive series against regional rivals, particularly the , with home games at the drawing average crowds of approximately 6,000 fans. In their inaugural 2022–23 season, the Wranglers earned the Pacific Division's top seed and advanced to the division finals. They defeated the 3–1 in the division semifinals, overcoming a tight series with victories in Games 1 and 2 (3–2 and 4–3) before clinching on the road in Game 4 (3–2), outscoring Abbotsford 12–10 overall. Facing the in the division finals, pushed the series to five games but fell 2–3, with a combined goal differential of –3 across the matchup; notable moments included a 1–0 win in Game 4 and a 5–6 loss in the decisive Game 5. The Wranglers finished the with a 5–4 record. The 2023–24 postseason saw the Wranglers enter as the Pacific Division's seventh seed but pull off an upset in the first round, sweeping the second-seeded 2–0 in a best-of-three series with wins of 2–0 and 4–3, holding Tucson to a 3–6 goal total. Their run ended in the division semifinals against the , where they lost 1–3 despite a 4–1 victory in Game 1; the series featured a 7-goal outburst by Coachella Valley in Game 3 and a 3–0 in Game 4, resulting in a –3 goal differential. Calgary concluded the 3–3. As the fifth seed in 2024–25, the Wranglers were eliminated in the first round by the , losing 0–2 in another best-of-three series highlighted by a triple-overtime 3–4 defeat in Game 1 and a 0–2 in Game 2, for a –3 goal differential. This marked their third consecutive first- or second-round exit to and a 0–2 record for the .

Personnel

Current roster

As of November 16, 2025, the Calgary Wranglers maintain an active roster of 24 players for the 2025–26 season, comprising 14 forwards, 8 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders. The team's composition includes 14 Canadian players, 5 , 2 , 1 Swede, 1 Czech, and 1 Turkish national, reflecting a mix of North American talent and international prospects from the system. Most players were acquired through the Flames' draft selections, free-agent signings, or internal trades within the organization, with several young prospects noted for their development potential. No active injuries or suspensions are reported among the roster at this time.

Forwards

No.PlayerPositionAcquisitionNotes
11William StromgrenLWDrafted by FlamesSwedish prospect developing scoring ability.
15LWSignedVeteran presence with NHL experience.
17Lucas CionaLWDrafted by FlamesPhysical winger from Flames system.
18Matvei GridinLWDrafted by FlamesRussian prospect, recent draft pick.
19Clark BishopCSignedReliable center with leadership qualities.
20Alex GallantC/LWSignedTough, energy-line forward.
22Parker BellLWDrafted by FlamesFlames prospect focusing on consistency.
23Justin KirklandCSignedVeteran center adding depth.
25David SilyeCSignedCzech center adding depth.
29RWSignedScoring winger with power-play skills.
36Aydar SunievLWDrafted by FlamesRussian prospect with offensive potential.
44Carter KingC/LWSignedVersatile forward for bottom lines.
45Sam MortonCSignedAmerican prospect building consistency.
49Andrew BashaLWDrafted by FlamesYoung Flames prospect emphasizing speed.

Defensemen

No.PlayerPositionAcquisitionNotes
2Turner OttenbreitDSignedSteady blueliner with size.
3Artem GrushnikovDDrafted by Russian prospect, defensive specialist.
4Jeremie PoirierDDrafted by Top prospect with puck-moving skills.
21Étienne MorinDDrafted by Young prospect developing defensive game.
26Daniil MiromanovDTradedExperienced defender recently recalled and returned.
33Simon MackDSignedOffensive-minded defenseman adding depth.
41Nick DSignedPhysical, stay-at-home type.
48Hunter BrzustewiczDDrafted by American prospect building offensive game.

Goaltenders

No.PlayerPositionAcquisitionNotes
30Owen SayGSignedBackup providing stability.
50Ivan ProsvetovGSignedPrimary starter with NHL pedigree.

Coaching and management

The Calgary Wranglers' coaching staff for the 2025–26 season is headed by , who was appointed on June 20, 2025, following his transition from player to coach within the organization. Sutter, a former draft pick, retired after the 2023–24 season, concluding a 17-year professional career that included 1,090 AHL regular-season games—the fourth-most in league history—and 60 NHL appearances, primarily with . He joined the Wranglers' staff as an assistant coach for the 2024–25 season under Trent Cull, later serving under interim Joe Cirella after Cull's promotion to the , providing Sutter with immediate hands-on experience in a leadership role. Assisting Sutter are Joe Cirella and David Liffiton, both in their roles as of the 2025–26 campaign. Cirella, a veteran coach with prior AHL head coaching experience in Adirondack and Elmira, has been with the Wranglers since 2023 and briefly served as interim during Cull's 2024–25 absence. Liffiton, who played over 400 AHL games as a defenseman, was added on July 11, 2025, bringing expertise in defensive systems from his prior assistant roles in the AHL with teams like the and . The staff is rounded out by goaltending development coach MacKenzie Skapski, a former NHL goaltender who joined the organization in 2023, and video coach Chandler Biggar, hired in 2024 to support game analysis and player development. On the management side, serves as the Wranglers' while concurrently holding the position of assistant general manager for the NHL's , a he has maintained since to ensure alignment between the affiliate and parent club. Pascall, who previously worked in executive capacities with and the Flames' scouting department, oversees player personnel decisions, contracts, and integration with the Flames' prospect pipeline, reporting directly to Flames Craig within the broader Corporation structure. The Wranglers' scouting staff, including recent additions like amateur scout Matt Zukowski and pro scout Cord McConnachie as of July 2025, operates in close coordination with the Flames' professional scouting team to identify and develop talent across . This integrated approach emphasizes continuity and shared resources, with Pascall's leadership facilitating seamless transitions for players between the AHL and NHL levels.

Records and achievements

Team records

The Calgary Wranglers, since their relocation and rebranding in 2022, have established several franchise benchmarks in the (AHL). In their inaugural 2022–23 season, the team set for most wins (51) and points (106) in a single season, finishing with a 51–17–3–1 record over 72 games. That year also marked their highest goals for total at 256, contributing to a dominant Pacific Division championship. These figures underscore the Wranglers' early success under the ' affiliation, though subsequent seasons saw more moderate outputs, with 35 wins and 79 points in 2023–24, and 37 wins and 81 points in 2024–25. Individual single-season records highlight standout performances from key contributors. Forward Matthew Phillips led the franchise in goals (36), assists (40), and points (76) during the 2022–23 campaign, powering the team's offensive output. In goaltending, set benchmarks with 42 wins and a 2.09 goals-against average (GAA) that season, while recording seven shutouts, the most in Wranglers history for a single year. These achievements reflect the blend of Flames prospects and veterans that propelled the team's record-breaking debut. Career leaders through the end of the 2024–25 season emphasize longevity and consistency among roster mainstays. Forward Rory Kerins tops the points list with 109, amassed over multiple seasons including strong showings in 2023–24 and 2024–25. Defenseman Yan Kuznetsov holds the record for most games played at 208, providing defensive stability across the franchise's first three full seasons. For goaltenders, leads with 62 career wins, 11 shutouts, and a 2.23 GAA in 91 appearances, solidifying his role as the cornerstone of the Wranglers' netminding. Notable streaks further illustrate the team's peaks. The Wranglers' longest win streak stands at nine games, achieved at the start of the –25 season from October 2024, tying for one of the top marks in the AHL that year and highlighting their early momentum. In 2022–23, extended unbeaten runs contributed to their overall dominance, though no longer streak was recorded.
CategoryRecordPlayer/SeasonSource
Most Wins (Team, Single )512022–23HockeyDB
Most Points (Team, Single )1062022–23HockeyDB
Most Goals For (Team, Single )2562022–23HockeyDB
Goals (Single )36Matthew Phillips, 2022–23Elite Prospects
Assists (Single )40Matthew Phillips, 2022–23Elite Prospects
Points (Single )76Matthew Phillips, 2022–23Elite Prospects
Wins (, Single )42Dustin , 2022–23Elite Prospects
Shutouts (, Single )7Dustin , 2022–23NHL.com
GAA (, Single )2.09Dustin , 2022–23NHL.com
Points (Career)109Rory Kerins (through 2024–25)Elite Prospects
(Career)208Yan Kuznetsov (through 2024–25)Elite Prospects
Wins (, Career)62Dustin (through 2024–25)Elite Prospects
Shutouts (, Career)11Dustin (through 2024–25)Elite Prospects
Longest Win Streak9 games–25 (October)The Hockey Writers

Individual awards and honors

In the 2022–23 season, Dustin earned multiple major AHL honors, including the Les Cunningham Award as the league's and the Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award as outstanding . also shared MVP honors at the 2023 AHL Classic, representing the Pacific Division in a 7-0 victory. Forward Matthew Phillips was selected to the 2022–23 AHL First Team after leading the league with 36 goals and ranking fourth overall in points. joined Phillips on the First Team that year. Head coach received the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as AHL Coach of the Year for 2022–23, guiding the Wranglers to a league-best 51–17–3–1 record. In subsequent seasons, the team continued to produce award winners, including forward Rory Kerins and goaltender Devin Cooley selected for the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic. Several Wranglers players have been recognized through the IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award, which honors . Goaltender won the team honor in 2022–23 and again in 2023–24, marking his third career selection. Forward Lucas Ciona received the award in 2024–25 for his off-ice contributions. As of 2025, no Wranglers player has earned the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as Playoffs MVP, though the team has advanced to the postseason multiple times since 2022.

References

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