The 100 Mile House Wranglers have finally scored a home-ice victory this season.
On Saturday, Nov. 11 the Wranglers beat out the Kelowna Chiefs 4-2 at the South Cariboo Rec Centre, much to the approval of Wrangler Nation. Head coach Dale Hladun said after weeks of frustration his team deserved the win.
“They have been playing pretty hard and not getting a win result at home, so it was pretty important they attained that,” Hladun said. “The boys recognize we’re better than a fifth-place team. To get this victory reassures them they’re on the right path.”
Hladun said that Saturday night’s game opened with the Wranglers in the hole after the Chiefs were able to score two goals early in the first period. However, longtime Wrangler Nathan Bohmer was able to answer with a goal of his own keeping the team in the fight.
During the second period, the Wranglers took charge of the game increasing their pressure on the Chiefs’ net. While they were unable to score goals on a power play, Kelton Shinde scored first one and then a second goal by the period’s end putting the Wranglers in the lead.
“Kelton Shinde has been one of our rising stars. He was getting all those chances on net early in the season and now they’re starting to pay off as he buries those goals,” Hladun said. “He’s an impressive player.
In the third period, the Wranglers’ defense remained tight preventing the Chiefs from tying up the game. As the game headed into final minutes, the Chiefs attempted to capitalize on a power play and pulled their goalie. Wrangler Kaden Ernst was able to snag the puck and score a goal from the Wranglers’ end of the ice, on his birthday no less.
With this home victory under their belt, Hladun said he plans to build off this success and ensure the team’s structure is established. He noted that several key players are returning to the team after being benched by injuries which will also boost the team’s importance.
“Our goal is to get into the playoffs and according to the standings we’re tied for the fourth spot for playoffs with the Chase Heat,” Hladun said. “If we do well over the next little bit we could start clawing our way up the standings. In the past, our team has always been slow to start but finishes strong from December on.”
The Wranglers return to home ice this weekend facing the Columbia Valley Rockies on Friday, Nov. 17 and Heat on Saturday, Nov. 18. Hladun said Saturday night’s game is an important one for the team.
