The 100 Mile House Wranglers 2023/2024 season came to an end on Saturday, Feb. 17 at the South Cariboo Rec Centre.
Following a 5-0 loss against the Chase Heat on the road Friday, the Wranglers officially lost their playoff spot. Despite this, however, the Wranglers went on to play one of their best games of the season against the Kamloops Storm on home ice defeating them 2-1 in an overtime victory.
The Wranglers played hard from the beginning Saturday night trading shots on goals with Storm and largely avoiding the penalty box. This tenacity paid off with Nash Hillworth scoring a goal late in the first period and putting the Wranglers in the lead.
Throughout the second period, the Wranglers held the Storm in check with Wrangler goalie Ivan Tolsma making several critical saves. As they headed into the third period the Wranglers still held the advantage but seven minutes in the Storm tied the match.
Rather than allow the Storm to capitalize on their momentum the Wranglers dug in their heels and defended their net while pressuring the Storm’s own, forcing the game into overtime. During the extra period, it was Wrangler captain Ethan Davey who scored the game-winning goal, the final of the season, much to the delight of the team and Wrangler Nation.
The Wranglers end this season with 11 wins to 28 losses. While 100 Mile is no longer in the running, the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League playoffs begin next week.
