The Amarillo Wranglers were a minor professional ice hockey team in the

Southwest Hockey League The Southwest Hockey League was a senior ice hockey league that operated in the Southwestern United States from 1975 to 1977. The Southwest Hockey League (SWHL) was established in 1975 to train players for professional leagues. Ralph Engelstad, ...

from 1975 to 1977. This was the second Wranglers ice hockey team established in Amarillo, Texas; the first being the Pittsburgh Penguins farm team described in a separate entry. The Wranglers were established by Las Vegas businessman Ralph Engelstad, founder of the Southwest Hockey League. The league model was unique in that it promoted the educational development of its players. Players received a stipend of $60.00 per month, were provided with room and board, and were provided with tuition and fees to a local university or junior college. Players not drafted by higher leagues could complete their education. The Wranglers wore orange, blue, and white jerseys modeled after the New York Islanders. The Amarillo Wranglers were Southwest League Champions for the 1975-1976 season under Coach

Cal Swenson Calvin Berle Swenson (April 16, 1948 – January 1, 2014) was a Canadian professional ice hockey forward. Early life Swenson was born in Watson, Saskatchewan. Playing career Swenson played 102 games in the World Hockey Association with the ...

. The Wranglers underwent reorganization and briefly played as the Amarillo Lone Stars beginning in December 1976. The Southwest Hockey League folded in January 1977. In March 2013, the Wranglers held their 36th reunion in Amarillo, TX. At the NAHL Amarillo Bulls final home game in 2013, the Wranglers were heralded as the city’s first hockey champions. A banner is now on display in the Amarillo Civic Center commemorating the Wranglers’ championship season. President - Bill O’Grady Coach -

Season record

''Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against'' ;Southwest Hockey League

Amarillo Wranglers all-time roster

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Amarillo Wranglers (1975-1977) Sports in Amarillo, Texas Defunct ice hockey teams in Texas 1975 establishments in Texas 1977 disestablishments in Texas Ice hockey clubs established in 1975 Ice hockey clubs disestablished in 1977