Dec. 14, 2010
Inspired by his younger brother, who is serving overseas in the U.S. Navy, Wranglers defenseman Barry Goers got involved with the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" program.
After collecting more than 400 phones at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell last year, the 24-year-old Goers hopes to gather at least 500 at Wranglers home games the rest of this season.
"I think we can do better here," said Goers, who had two assists for Las Vegas (13-4-2) in its 6-3 victory over the Idaho Steelheads (11-7-5) on Saturday night at the Orleans Arena. "As long as (my brother is) serving our country and men and women are serving our country, I'll continue to do this."
Founded by two Massachusetts teenagers, Robbie and Brittany Bergquist, who were astounded when they heard about a solider who had an $8,000 phone bill, the nonprofit organization collects old cell phones, recycles them and uses the proceeds to purchase prepaid phone cards for our troops overseas.
Goers' brother Brett, 21, became involved with the program in high school, and Barry took up the cause last season.
"I decided to do it because he had enlisted in the Navy and he inspired me to do something," Goers said.
Brett Goers joined the Navy two years ago, Barry said, in part, to travel and learn a trade. He's currently serving on an aircraft carrier at an undisclosed location overseas.
Barry said he speaks to his brother every month or so and reports he's doing well and recently visited Malaysia.
"He's not in the most dangerous situations," Goers said. "But it's not like he's back here safe at home."
Wranglers coach Ryan Mougenel said partnering with Goers in the cell phone program and knowing his brother could be in harm's way has helped the team put things in perspective.
"We come to the rink, and we're having fun," he said. "He's going to work, and it really is life and death."
Goers signed with Las Vegas out of college last season and adjusted quickly to the pro game, scoring three points in six regular-season games and three in five playoff games.
The rookie has continued his solid play this season, compiling eight points in 15 games.
"He's a first-year player that's come in, and you'd think he's played for 10 years," Mougenel said. "I think the pro game has been a breath of fresh air for him to grow as a player offensively."
Playing for the Wranglers is a homecoming of sorts for Goers, who lived in Southern Nevada for three years of his childhood and learned to skate at the Santa Fe Station Ice Arena when he was in the first grade.
At 5 feet 9 inches and 175 pounds, Goers isn't a prototypical professional defenseman, but he brings other intangibles.
"He's an undersized defenseman, but his compete level is that of a 6-5 guy," Mougenel said. "I think there's a market for that player at the American (Hockey) League level, a kid that competes and is as committed as him. ... He skates well enough to play at the next level."
For now, Goers is focused on taking the "Cell Phones for Soldiers" program to the next level.
Cell phone drop boxes will be located on the Orleans Arena concourse during all Wranglers home games, and the team is offering one free ticket to a future game for each phone donated.
Those interested in taking a collection box to work should contact the Wranglers at 702-471-7825.
"I know there are people that don't exactly agree with everything America is doing," Goers said. "But that doesn't mean we can't support our troops."
