Work has begun to put together one of the Cariboo’s newest K-I-J-H-L teams for this upcoming season.
Head Coach of the Quesnel River Rush Dale Hladun said last weekend (May 18 and 19) they held a camp in Prince George.
“We ended up with just under 60 players. I think out of that camp I committed to a couple of kids and I think we’re going to get another one or two from that camp, as well as some potential players from main camp, and hopefully they’re part of our affiliation list. I thought it was successful overall.”
Hladun said Spring and Summer is the busiest time for any team in their league as they have to scout, visit camps, do home visits and prepare for next year, find billets, and talk to sponsors.
“Right now I’m on my way to Edmonton to a camp and I’m going to talk to some of the kids from the North Okanagan Knights team that are up there. I’m going to hit Calgary, do the same, talk to some players. I’ll hit Salmon Arm on Monday evening and a part of Tuesday and talk to a few more North Oak kids. This the time to make those key moves and key visits.”
We asked Hladun if he had a chance to look at any of the local talent.
“A lot of local players did come to our camp and you can certainly see some potential kids for our team this year and I want us to spend some time with Minor Hockey developing right down from the Pee Wees and up. We gotta get the culture created even through that. There’s some kids that will play from our area. I think the best way to recruit is always start at your base and then work your way out.”
Hladun noted that he’s very happy to have all three Cariboo communities in the K-I-J-H-L this coming season.
“The rivalries, the fans that are gonna go back and forth between 100 Mile House, Williams Lake and Quesnel that’s fantastic and it’s going to be great for all the fans in the area.”
Hladun was the Head Coach of the 100 Mile House Wranglers for ten seasons before leaving the team in January.
–Files by Pat Matthews, My Cariboo Now
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