The 100 Mile House Wranglers have added some lakecity talent to its ranks to kick off the Junior B hockey season.
Returning player Justin Bond (forward), and newcomers Kolten Carpenter (defenceman) and Tyler Povelofskie (forward) will suit up for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League squad as the regular season ramps up.
And coach Dale Haldun is happy with the early direction of the team following its main camp, two exhibition games and season opener — a 4-3 overtime loss to the Chase Heat on Sept. 12 that saw Bond light the lamp and Povelofskie and Carpenter each add an assist in the effort.
Carpenter joins the squad after playing for the Cariboo Cougars of the B.C. Major Midget Hockey League, while Haldun referred to the 19-year-old Povelofskie, who played Junior A hockey in Vernon and Alberni Valley, as a new bright spot at forward, especially noting his efforts during the team’s two exhibition games against the Kamloops Storm.
“Here’s a player that has played two years in Junior A, had zero to prove, and he blocked shots covering his face to win in exhibition,” Haldun said.
“If that is the character he’s bringing to us — we’re going to be a championship team.”
In 40 games last season Bond, 18, scored eight times and added seven helpers for a 15-point campaign. Carpenter, a six-foot-one, 175-pound stalwart on the blueline, had a goal and four assists in 22 games played with the Cougars last season.
Looking forward, Haldun said fans can expect a “hell of a season.”
“The guys are talking the right way … There are a lot of hungry guys.”
- With files from Gaven Crites of the 100 Mile Free Press