The dream of bringing back a junior hockey team for Williams Lake is not dead.
That’s the message Rob Sandrock brought to city council at its regular meeting Tuesday.
“We don’t have any good news right now but have quiet optimism,” Sandrock said referring to the fact a recent bid to expand a Kootenay International Junior Hockey League franchise to the lakecity was voted against by the league Sunday afternoon.
“There are some other things in the works, but I am not allowed to speak about them due to the interests of the other parties involved because we don’t want to jeopardize their position and what they are trying to do,” Sandrock told council.
As a former professional hockey player Sandrock, alongside Tyrel Lucas and Ryan Bailey had formed an ownership group to put in the bid.
“Williams Lake is missing a huge part of Canadian culture,” Sandrock said. “I grew up here watching the Mustangs.”
There are many positive benefits that come from having a junior hockey team, including mentorship to the youth, he added.
“Williams Lake Indian Band through Coun. Willie Sellars expressed to me that there would be a huge welcome from their community for a junior hockey team and we would want to work closely with them and other First Nations to help their youth stay away from antisocial behavior and that sort of thing,” Sandrock said.
“I think we can be a big part of the community that way and could really help by being out there as positive role models.”
In their economic impact study for the bid, Sandrock said having a junior hockey team could see an estimated $1.9 million turned over in the community.
“That’s a huge amount of money for having one little hockey team.”
Mayor Walt Cobb said it was unfortunate the KIJHL turned down the bid, but encouraged Sandrock to keep up the good work.
“We will be behind you,” he added.
Echoing Cobb, Coun. Scott Nelson said council is committed to seeing a junior hockey team back in Williams Lake and appreciates the investment and enthusiasm of Sandrock, Lucas and Bailey.
“If there is anything we can do as a council let us know.”
Coun. Laurie Walters asked if the city showed support in the first go around, to which Sandrock responded when they gave a presentation in 2015 some of councillors who attended were very supportive.
“Keep us in the loop,” she said.
Coun. Craig Smith said his first volunteer position in Williams Lake was marketing for the Mustangs.
“I have always been all in for hockey in this town,” Smith said.
“By not having a hockey team in Williams Lake we are missing the boat. Anything we can do as a team we are here for you.”
Council agreed to go on the record being unanimously in support of bringing a junior hockey team to Williams Lake.