Amarillo: The Wranglers have acquired NAHL veteran defenseman Jayden Jensen from the Corpus Christi Ice Rays.
With key departures and injures on the blue line, the Wranglers add experienced defenseman Jensen in exchange for further NAHL assets in a deal with the Ice Rays. Jensen has played in 176 games in the NAHL, joining the league in 2018. The right-handed defenseman adds size to the blue line standing 6 feet 4 inches tall.
“Acquiring Corpus Christi’s captain Jayden Jensen with nearly 200 junior games played was a trade we had to make to bolster our defense to be able to compete with the top teams in our division.” Wranglers GM and Head Coach Harry Mahood said.
During the Christmas break, the Wranglers were struck with a departure from their top-scoring defenseman Jakob Peterson, a rise of Covid cases amongst the team, and injuries to Jase Sofo and Michael Spinner.
“Losing our best defenseman to Northern Michigan University at the Christmas break, as well as injuries to Russell and Spinner, took an immediate toll on our expansion team season,” Mahood said.
Jensen served as the captain of the Ice Rays in their return to play this season. The veteran defenseman has played for the Springfield Jr. Blues, Austin Bruins, Northeast Generals, and the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. Jensen will bring experience and leadership to the expansion locker room. In 31 games this season, Jensen has seven points (1G, 6A) and has a plus/minus of +3.
“Jayden has a big personality and a big game. In addition to his steady play, we believe Jayden will bring an additional ingredient of leadership that we have needed since we assembled in late August,” Mahood said.
Jensen will make his debut with the Wranglers this weekend as the top two seeds in the south division clash at the Budweiser Bullpen at 7:05 p.m.