Former Wrangler Mitch McLain notches hat trick as Silver Knights defeat Calgary 5-2

The Calgary Wranglers dropped first of a 2-game series against Henderson Silver Knights, losing 5-2 Friday night. (Photo: X@AHLWranglers)

The Wranglers returned from the AHL all-star break Friday night, but they didn’t bring their winning ways as they lost 5-2 to the Henderson Silver Knights in the Nevada desert.

Rory Kerins opened the scoring, giving the Wranglers an early 1-0 lead 4:22 into the first, but that was as good as it would get for the the squad Friday night.

Henderson followed up, tying it up on a goal from former Wrangler Mitch McLain.

Cal Burke scored the only goal of the second period, sending the Silver Knights into the third leading 2-1, before McLain added his second to up it to 3-1.

Martin Frk cut the score to 3-2, before McLain added his third goal of the night with 1:34 to play, followed by Mason Morelli, who scored with one second on the clock.

Henderson outshot Calgary 44-26.

The two teams square off again Saturday night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.