Junior hockey will return to the lakecity this winter when the 100 Mile House Wranglers and the Summerland Steam square off at the Cariboo Memorial Complex.
The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League game, scheduled for Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., was lined up by a management team in Williams Lake who are looking to fire up interest in bringing a Junior B hockey team to the city.
“Summerland has graciously given up their home game to allow us to host this game and we can’t thank them enough,” Rob Sandrock said, who, alongside Tyrel Lucas and Ryan Bailey, are behind the fledgling management initiative.
“Also, a big thanks to the KIJHL for their approval.
“We want to put on a good show. Not just for the city, but for the league so the league sees there’s a hardcore fan base in Williams Lake. Everybody I talk to says we need a team.”
Sandrock noted volunteers will be needed for the game for things like security, ticket taking, 50/50 and on-ice and off-ice duties.
The management group hosted an information session at Total Ice Training Centre on Wednesday, Sept. 2, where plans moving forward were discussed.
“It was intimate, I’ll say that,” Sandrock said. “Not as big of a turnout as we would’ve liked but everybody that did show up showed their support and offered their help in any way they could.”
Sandrock said the management group has until December to file an application to become a KIJHL member, and the group plans on doing so.
“That doesn’t mean you get a team right away,” he said, noting it’s the first step in the process. “I’ve let the league know we’re in no rush. We want to make sure we have all our ducks in a row.”
Tickets to the Nov. 14 game are available from Sandrock through either the ‘Williams Lake Jr. B Hockey’ Facebook page, by phone at 250-303-1432 or by e-mail at robsandrock@icloud.com. Also, if anyone is interested in volunteering they can contact Sandrock.
The management group has partnered with Heartland Toyota, Margetts Meats and About Face Photography to host the game.