A Storied Franchise

Since the Green Bay Gamblers came into the United States Hockey League in 1994, the franchise has been one of the most successful junior programs in North America.

Throughout the team’s 17-year history, the Gamblers have served as a springboard for players to move onto the collegiate and professional ranks. To the team’s credit, more than 165 of its alumni have moved onto the NCAA Division I level. More than 50 players have gone onto play professional hockey and 31 young men who have worn the Gamblers jersey have been selected in the annual National Hockey League Entry Draft.

This past season (2010-11) 10 former Gamblers saw action in the NHL. The list includes Justin Braun (San Jose), Adam Burish (Dallas), Ryan Carter(Florida), Ty Conklin (St. Louis), Joey Crabb (Toronto), Matt Greene (Los Angeles), Nate Guenin (Columbus), Victor Oreskovich (Vancouver), Tim Stapleton (Atlanta) and Blake Wheeler (Atlanta Thrashers)

The Gamblers also had a handful of alums playing at the American Hockey League level this past season. The list includes Sean Backman (Texas/Dallas), Stu Bickel (Connecticut/New York Rangers), Phil Ginand (Bridgeport/New York Islanders), Eric Gryba (Binghampton/Ottawa Senators), Josh Engel (Toronto/Toronto) Mike Forney (Chicago/Atlanta Thrashers), Kyle Klubertanz (Hamilton/Montreal), John Mitchell (Syracuse/Columbus), Wes O’Neill (Bridgeport/New York Islanders), Brian Roloff (Portland/Buffalo), Mike Sislo (Albany/New Jersey), Sergio Somma (Chicago/Atlanta), Jake Taylor (Oklahoma City/Edmonton).  The Gamblers were also represented behind the bench, as Jon Cooper (2008-10) was the head coach of the Norfolk Admirals.

The Gamblers success over the past decade has not been limited to the individual. As a team, the Gamblers have captured two Junior “A” National Championships, four Anderson Cups, three Clark Cups and six USHL Eastern and Northern Division titles.

The Gamblers play in arguably the finest junior hockey facility in the United States – the Resch Center. Opening its doors in 2002, the Resch Center has hockey seating for nearly 9,000 people, state-of-the-art equipment and awesome sight lines. Furthermore, the Gamblers locker room, weight room and training facilities are among the best in the country.

The Green Bay Gamblers – a history of junior hockey excellence!