The Okanagan Wild fell eight points shy of qualifying for the B.C. Intermediate A Lacrosse League playoffs.
The Wild season ended with four more losses after losing at home to New Westminster to close its inaugural season with four wins in 20 games.
Related: Okanagan Wild joins Intermediate lacrosse league
“We had tough games against playoff position teams (Delta, Maple Ridge, New Westminster and Langley) at the end who were battling for standing spots,” said Wild coach Dan Chetner. “I thought we did really well. We competed hard and played good games given the circumstances.”
Motivation to continue performing hard wasn’t an issue. Chetner said right from the beginning it wasn’t about wins and losses, but competing and improving.
“There was a lot of pride,” said Chetner.
Evaluating the season is underway with Wild staff reviewing what went well and didn’t. Chetner said they will be “light years” ahead of next year and can start preparing for the second season immediately.
As playoffs neared, the Wild completed a trade with the Coquitlam Adanacs, dealing Beau Chetner for future considerations. In four games with the Adanacs, Chetner put up nine goals and 19 points. In 16 games with the Wild, Chetner racked up 37 goals and finished with 61 points. The deal for Chetner is only for this season, so he will be returned to the Wild next season. Included in the trade made by general manager Martin Gardner is opportunities to send graduating players to junior A camps.
Chetner and the Adanacs defeated Nanaimo 2-0 in their best-of-seven series to advance to provincials, which take place Aug. 4 to 7 at the Langley Events Centre.
