“This is going to be something those boys can hold on to for the rest of their lives.”
That’s what 100 Mile House Wranglers Junior B Hockey Club president Tom Bachynski says about the ring ceremony, which will be part of the Wranglers golf scramble and dinner event.
It will be something that will give the players the appreciation they deserve for such an incredible season.
The golf scramble will be at the 108 Golf Resort on July 16 with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m.
Those who come out will get to see the Wranglers all in one place for the first time since the team was crowned Western Canada Champions, says Bachynski.
“I believe [the players] are just really excited about seeing each other again and reminiscing about the run they had.”
After the golf scramble, the dinner and ring ceremony will be held at the 100 Mile Community Hall with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30 p.m.
Attending the event will be Hockey BC president Randy Henderson, who will be a keynote speaker, and Kootenay International Junior Hockey League president Bill Ohlhausen will also be present.
Bachynski insists the event isn’t just a ceremony, but it’s a Wrangler family reunion.
“This is about giving back to our players. They made the whole community proud. If we can give something back to them, it makes everyone feel a lot better.”
The championship rings will be crafted by Jostens Memorabilia and have a design known only to Bachynski.
“It’s going to be a surprise. I want to keep them guessing up until the rings are revealed.”
However, at the heart of it all, is a community giving back to a team.
“The ceremony is going to be one of those special things that you can’t put into words. It’s going to close a chapter of success and open up a new one.
“It will probably be a little happy and a little sad at the same time. But it’s our opportunity as a community and an organization to thank these boys for what they’ve done and give them something they can hold on to forever.”
The dinner will also have a dozen silent auctions items. All net proceeds will go towards the Wrangler Scholarship Fund.
“We want to help our graduating players with expenses in their future endeavours. It’s another way of saying, ‘thank you’ and it helps us stand out as a good quality team that takes care of it’s players.”
Bachynski and the rest of the Wranglers organization have been looking forward to this event ever since the team was crowned Western Canada Champions.
“I’m always excited about this stuff. I enjoy it because I enjoy what we accomplished.
“I’m extremely proud of what the boys did last year and what this organization has accomplished.”
Bachynski wants this to be a personal and welcoming experience first and foremost.
“Every time they look at their rings, they will think of 100 Mile. Once you’re a Wrangler, you’re always a wrangler.”
Tickets for both events are available at Central GM and Sears. Entry fee is $85 each and includes 18 holes of golf, power cart, and dinner. Dinner-only tickets are $55 each.
