The stands were packed at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on Jan. 10, and so was the lobby during the first intermission of the 100 Mile House Wranglers-Kimberley Dynamiters game, the local Junior B hockey club's first one at home in nearly three weeks.
A number of fans talked about how good it was to have hockey back in town and it's not to hard see what the new Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team means to the community.
Looking ahead to Minor Hockey Week in British Columbia – Jan. 19-26 – 100 Mile & District Minor Hockey Association second vice-president Kim Mills left her seat in the stands and took some time between periods to discuss what's going on locally.
The Wranglers have had a huge impact, she says.
“It's a great thing to have somebody to cheer for. For our little guys – our initiation and our novice kids – they aspire now to be a Wrangler.”
Starting with an atom development team this season, the local minor hockey organization is in the process of adopting and phasing in the Wranglers' team colours for all the 100 Mile House teams.
“We're trying to get everyone on the same page.”
A few obstacles – like cost – remain for some parents to get their children playing the game, she says.
“The nice thing with initiation is there is a program we have that gets players free gear for the first two years. It's about getting them on the ice. We have equipment swaps and that's a great thing.”
Without a president this year, minor hockey is being run basically by committee. Past president Darrell Blades is assisting Mills and Matt Carr, first vice-president, with the work involved.
Mills adds hockey in 100 Mile House is “looking up” and the group is working on some interesting things – such as looking to establish more female hockey, an upcoming anti-bullying campaign, a novice tournament in early February, and the midget rep team is hosting provincials in March.
“I encourage our community to come out and watch the kids.
“Today's novice players are going to be Wranglers 10 years down the road. The kids love a fan.”