Well over 120 people celebrated the 100 Mile House Wrangler’s season on Saturday, Feb. 17 for the Wrangler’s annual Awards Banquet.
The banquet marked the Wranglers’ tenth in the community and the end of a disappointing season, with 100 Mile House missing out on the Kootenay International Junior Hockey Leagues playoffs. Despite this Wrangler president Greg Aiken said the mood of the crowd was positive.
“We raised money for our scholarship program and it seems like everyone had a good time. The Red Rock Grill did the dinner and it was very good,” Aiken said. “It was a very good night.”
Following a dinner and auction, Aiken and interim head coach Lee Hansen gave out several rewards to the team to recognize them for their months of hard work. Ethan Davey cleaned house winning the Most Valuable Player, Top Scorer and Player’s Choice Award.
Meanwhile, Kelton Shinde was named Top Forward, Ethan Hofstrand was named Top Defenceman and Ivan Tolsma was named the Rookie of the Year. Most Sportsmanlike Player went to Alberto Kellgren, Most Improved to Nicholas Sloane and Fan Favourite to Kaden Ernst.
“I always enjoy presenting the awards. It’s always a surprise to everybody whether it’s a player, volunteer or board member,” Aiken said. “What was really cool was the players presenting Cindy Carey with some gifts for all the food she cooks for them when they go on the road. Not only does she make meals post-game and pre-game, but she makes snacks for the bus and it saves the boys and the team money.”
Aiken also handed out awards to recognize the volunteers who help the organization run each year. This year the Builder’s Award went to Kim McCoy while the President’s Award went to Don Jones.
Jones has served as the Wranglers’ Marketing Director and announcer for the last decade. Aiken said that, for personal reasons, Jones will be taking a step back from the organization in the coming months, so recognizing his hard work was important.
The Wranglers are still currently looking to hire a new head coach to replace Dale Hladun, who they parted ways with midway through the season. In a previous interview with the Free Press, Aiken indicated they would announce this appointment in the coming months after interviewing all the candidates.
