New Wave: 100 Mile House Wranglers

 

The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League has an exciting new wave of rookie talent entering the 2022-23 season, which begins on Sept. 23. Leading up to the start of the season, we will highlight those players from each team.

Next in the New Wave series are the 100 Mile House Wranglers. The Wranglers finished last in the Doug Birks division with 11 wins in 42 games. Last month the Wranglers announced the signing of three Williams Lake products in Jackson Altwasser, Curtis Roorda and Boston Pierce.

Here’s a look at their new wave of rookies with insight from Head Coach and GM Dale Hladun.

Ethan Hofstrand

Defenceman, NEBC Trackers U18 AA

Last season for the Fort St. John Trackers, Hofstrand had 37 points in 32 games. The six-foot, 190 pound defenceman was a key player on his team finishing second in scoring and second overall in points by a defensceman in the Northern Alberta Hockey League AA .

“Ethan set a new franchise scoring record by a defenseman for the NEBC Tracker program. Ethan is a puck-moving player and has a knack for getting shots on net from the point. He is also a formidable opponent in his battles as he possesses intimidating size and strength to compete against.”

Tyler Smoluk

Defenceman, Kamloops Blazers U18 BCEHL

The 6-1, 180 pound blue liner produced 13 points for the Blazers last season and is lanky, smooth-skating and competitive.

“He has good vision and a strong sense to make the right plays with the puck. Ty is confident to rush the puck and will bring more offensive options to our team play.”

Kayden Stark

Forward, Terrace Totem Ford Kermodes

Stark’s play resembles that of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Corey Perry. The six-foot, 185- pound forward has a high compete level and a nasty edge to his play.

“Kayden is a fearless competitor and will finish hits, block shots, stand in front of the net, and bring a lot of passion and energy to the Wrangler lineup. Kayden also played a large role in the U18 T3 BCAHA Provincial title won by his club this past March.”

Zach Gull

Forward, Terrace Totem Ford Kermodes

Gull was a key member of the Kermodes provincial championship team. He uses his six-foot, 205-pound frame to play a power-forward style and has a heavy shot and an imposing style.

“Zach will tough down low when cycling the puck, and he will be a presence all around the opposition’s net. He has good hands for a big man and his ability to make big hits will add a lot of confidence to our lineup on game nights.

Jack Mulder

Forward, Terrace Totem Ford Kermodes

Mulder is the fourth recruit from the championship Kermodes. The 5-9, 140-pound forward is also familiar with the Wranglers program as his older brother Quinn played in 100 Mile House in 2019-20, before moving onto the Manitoba Junior Hockey League to play for the Swan Valley Stampeders.

“Jack is elusively fast and a great playmaker. His quick feet and high compete on puck pursuit will help both on our powerplay and on our penalty kill. Jack led the Provincial tournament in scoring and his play rose every time the competition was higher. Jack will easily be a fan favourite in Wrangler Nation.”

Keagan Landry

Forward, West Central Tigers U18 AA

Landry is from Lacombe, Alberta and played on a select team based out of Sylvan Lake. He led his team with 50 points in 41 games and was ninth overall in the conference.  The 5-9, 155-pound forward helped the Tigers win their conference tournament this past April.

“Keagan will bring an exciting brand of offensive play to our club and he will add a lot to our specialty teams. He has a strong playmaking ability as well as a scoring touch.”

Ethan Davey

Forward, Terrace U18 Tier 3

The 6-3, 185- pound forward put up 27 goals  and 55 points in 29 games and played a huge role in helping the Terrace Totem Ford Kermodes win another BCAHA provincial title.

“Ethan is a very talented hockey player with a high compete level, great 

hockey sense, and strong leadership skills. We are very fortunate to have Ethan join our club as he will easily become a fan favorite in “Wrangler Nation” and potentially one of the  top identified Junior A prospects in our KIJHL.”

Mason Pincott

Forward, Williams Lake Timberwolves

Pincott is 100 Mile House product and played as an affiliate seeing action in four KIJHL regular season games. The 5-7, 150-pound forward is best described as a “Rudy” type player due to his passion and character.

“His relentless work in practices and in games inspires and challenges all his teammates to be better. Mason will continually set the bar higher for his teammates to meet or try to exceed, from the way he competes. Pincott always gains respect from all that meet him and he absolutely will be a fan favourite here.”