There are still a lot of moving pieces in play as the 100 Mile House Wranglers get ready to ride again in the coming weeks and start a third season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).
Coach Dale Hladun recently rescheduled the local Junior B hockey club's main camp to Sept. 3-4 at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
Originally scheduled in late August, the coach decided to push the camp back to maximize the attendance number of returning veterans who are skating at different Junior A camps in British Columbia and Saskatchewan this month.
Last season's starting goalie Kristian Stead and top-scoring defenceman Jayden Syrota committed to teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, while rookie defenceman Tate Page is skating with the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League.
A half dozen more skaters from last season's team are trying to crack Junior A rosters in B.C. or Saskatchewan as well.
It's a good number of guys getting good opportunities, and perhaps a sign of good things to come.
“For talent? I love my team,” says Hladun. “I'm excited about the upcoming season and our veterans. The reason I'm excited is the majority of our club is going to Junior A or the Western Hockey League, [being recruited to camps or rosters].”
“What that shows me is how highly touted their talent level is and the opportunity they have,” the coach adds. “A lot of kids at our level aspire to play higher. The way I look at it is the longer they can stay at that higher level, the better player we may get [if they return].”
The Wranglers host the Kamloops Storm for two exhibition games Sept. 5-6 and kick off the 2015-16 season at home on Sept. 12 against the Chase Heat.
Volunteers, billets needed
The Wranglers are looking for a pair of regular volunteers to sell 50/50 tickets at home games, as well as scorekeepers and timekeepers.
The organization is also looking to line up part time employment for Wranglers players with local businesses.
The hockey organization thanks past employers for hiring players during the club's last two seasons. Some players will be available for work as early as the first week of September.
Contact Sandy Craig about volunteering and any employment opportunities at 250-945-4902.
The Wranglers also need homes for close to 10 players during the season. Contact Kim McCoy for more information about billeting at 250-395-8085.
Wranglers season tickets on sale now
Folks have a chance to become part of Wrangler Nation and get in on the action this winter as the club's 2015-16 season tickets are on sale now at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre.
The Wranglers start their third campaign in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League at home against a Doug Birks Division rival – the Chase Heat – on Sept. 12.
Plenty of great seats are still available for the local Junior B hockey club's 26 regular season home games.
The Wranglers have played two seasons and made the second round of the playoffs in both.
Ticket pricing does not include pre-season or playoff tickets. However, buyers receive first rights to their seats for the playoffs.
Prices remain unchanged from last season: adult seats are $262.50; seniors (60+) and students seats are $204.75 (both including taxes).
Ten Game Adult General Admission Flex Passes are also available for $93, which gives fans the flexibility to attend the games that fit their schedule. (Adult cost at the door for 10 games is $105).
Ticket inquiries can be made via e-mail to office @100milewranglers.com.