Remaining loose ends in the purchase of the Penticton Lakers Junior B hockey team are very close to being tied, and the 100 Mile House Wranglers Society is moving ahead with the next phase.
Society president Tom Bachynski says the final payment for the team will be made Feb. 28, and they’re ready for the next set of challenges ahead.
“It’s exciting it’s going to happen. It’s like getting married. The concept is all there and the day it actually happens, there are changes, but the changes are all good.”
He says interest was strong for the coaching position and the society has had inquiries from as far away as Calgary. The club has three people going through the interview process and it’s hoped there will be an announcement made on the society’s decision on Feb. 22.
Intentions are to combine the coach and team manager positions into one.
Bachynski says there has also been good response from prospective players and the calibre of skill among them is high.
The club will hold its initial spring camp April 19-21 at the South Cariboo Rec. Centre, with room for 60 skaters and eight goalies.
Bachynski says he hopes to see good representation from the north.
“That’s our business model – to try and bring in the northern players. They tend to get left out of the loop for various reasons. We want to create a place where good hockey players from the north can play in the northern-most spot of the KIJHL (Kootenay International Junior Hockey League), and their parents are able to come and watch them play.”
Bachynski says he expects to see interest from a handful of local players who are on the cusp of being junior hockey material.
“I’d love to see local kids come out. This is a great opportunity to measure themselves. They should take the opportunity.”
The camp will not be the typical model and participants can expect a number of exciting twists, he adds.
To learn more about the spring camp, refer to the club website at www.100milewranglers.com.
The Wranglers club is currently selling a limited number of Founder Seats, which provide three years of season tickets, recognition in the program and a special event in June. The cost is $1,500.
Regular season tickets will be available soon. Check the club website for details.
