It’s the news hockey fans in Quesnel have been waiting a long time to hear.
The Kootenay International Junior Hockey League announced that the North Okanagan Knights franchise has been sold and relocated to Quesnel and will be known as the River Rush.
Owner/President Tracy Mero said he’s super excited to see a team coming back to the City where a lot of talented kids can play at home.
This announcement now provides the Cariboo with a third team in the KIJHL in addition to the 100 Mile House Wranglers and Williams Lake Mustangs (formerly the Summerland Steam).
Mero is also excited to have Dale Hladun, former coach of the 100 Mile House Wranglers, as the team’s Head Coach and General Manager.
“He’s been around forever, a great guy. He’ll be great at helping to build the organization.”
As a former principal owner of the Kamloops Storm since 2019, Mero is very familiar with Hladun.
“I was tired of him beating us in the playoffs, a couple of rounds for sure, so I figured it would be good to have him on our team. He is highly recommended by everybody in the league and is well respected.”
Mero said they’ll hold a spring camp in May in Prince George with their first main camp in August Quesnel.
“Having three teams in the KIJHL is great for the Cariboo and the North. Lots of kids that have played in different Leagues for years have to leave home and travel so it’s nice to keep them at home for a couple of more years.”
Mero said further details regarding the sale of season tickets for the Quesnel River Rush will be made within the next week.
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