laird visits 100 mile house wranglers - 28th January

Story by Steve Erickson

Laird recently went on a road-trip north to take in a game that was played in 100 Mile House in the KIJHL, which is (at present) Tier 2 Junior A.

I had reached out earlier in the week making contact with the office staff as well as club President to arrange credentials for Laird.  I had the chance to talk with Office Manager Kim McCoy who passed me on to Wrangler's Club President Greg Aiken, who I must say were both extremely professional in all questions I asked.

For Laird, road trips are an everyday thing when he’s up to it, with this being no different that saw him cover two games.

 Friday’s contest saw the Wranglers play host to the Grand Fork Border Bruins in a contest that saw them drop the game by a 3-0 score while Saturday’s game  saw the Merritt Centennials skate away with a 4-1 win.

Regardless of the scores it’s impressive to say that Laird was impressed with the crowd at both games that totalled 1,009 for both games which outdraws other Junior clubs in other leagues in BC.

Below is a report of his “road-trip” – Enjoy the read!!

Our websites are covering all amateur sports and with this post he is continuing to follow the path of Riley Langille as he follows his dreams to go as far as he can playing hockey.  

In today’s world for youngsters to achieve success they “leave the nest” and play for various teams which now have both girls, boys, women and men all across the world venture out to advance their careers. 

Riley Langille (2004), Perth, Australia, F, #16

Pasts posts;

1. July 18, 2022 – passing through Vancouver to IIHF in Mexico (bronze). Exhibition game in Langley, BC.

2. December 11, 2022 – Campbell River Storm – VIJHL

3. February 4, 2023 – IIHF Div III Championship – Turkey – Gold

4. May 23, 2023 – Perth Thunder – APHL

Riley had been traded to the Kimberly Dynamiters last season and was traded to the 100 Mile Wranglers three weeks ago.  

During his second game with the Wranglers he separated his shoulder and is out 4-6 weeks which could realistically be the end of the season. 

Laird’s Daughter Janet lives in Lone Butte (100 Mile House), so the trip north worked out both to cover the Wranglers as well as have a Family visit. 

100 Mile Wranglers are owned by a Community Society and is a team playing Jr. A – Tier II in the KIJHL playing in the South Cariboo Recreation Center.

The club has been operating since 2013 and in only their second year (2015-2016) after joining the KIJHL they made the playoffs and went on to win The Cyclone Taylor Cup and then the Keystone Cup.

Friday, 24 January vs the Grand Forks Border Bruins (attendance 523).  

Right from the start, Grand Forks were flying and kept that up the entire game.  The box score tells the story.

Bruins – 3 goals (EN), 2/5 PP, 60 shots. (Wrangler goalie was the 1st star – 57/60 (W)

Wranglers – 0 goals, 0/3 PP, 28 shots (L)

Saturday, 25th January vs the Merritt Centennials (attendance 486).  The Wranglers put up a better game than the previous night but again came out on the losing end.

Centennials – 4 goals, 2/7 PP, 24 shots (W)

Wranglers – 1 goal, 0/6 PP, 24 shots (L)

Photos will help tell the story.

I would like to take this time on behalf of Sportswave’s Steve Erickson and myself to thank the Wrangler’s President Greg Aiken and Office Manager for treating me like a VIP. 

If you’re heading north be sure to “rustle up” a Wrangler Game – you won’t be disappointed!!!

Story by Steve Erickson,

Vancouver Police Department plus a connection with the Vancouver Canucks which is not only for today’s youth but also the betterment of today’s world.   “One GOAL, One DREAM”

“Where Passion Meets Opportunity: Empowering Youth through Sport”

When: June 21st, 2025
Where: Jack Poole Plaza, Vancouver, BC
Setup: Three fully equipped street hockey rinks in the iconic Jack Poole Plaza

Overview of One GOAL, One DREAM

The “VPD D.R.E.A.M Hockey Ball Classic” is an inaugural community-driven, youth-focused initiative aimed at fostering positive connections, physical activity, and teamwork through the exciting sport of street hockey. 

Hosted by the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) in collaboration with the Vancouver Police Foundation, Hockey Ball, and the Canucks for Kids Fund, this one-day event is designed for grade 6 and 7 students from schools in Vancouver specifically (VSB, private and independent schools).

The tournament goes beyond sports; it is a platform for building life skills such as discipline, respect, teamwork, and resilience while creating meaningful bonds between youth, local law enforcement, and the community at large.

What is Hockey Ball?

Hockey Ball is a youth-centric sport that combines the excitement of street hockey with the principles of inclusion, accessibility, and teamwork. 

The initiative encourages physical literacy while instilling key values such as leadership, sportsmanship, and resilience. 

Hockey Ball provides an opportunity for youth who might not otherwise have access to organized hockey to experience the joy and benefits of the sport in a supportive and fun environment.

The Canucks for Kids Fund

The Canucks for Kids Fund is a cornerstone partner in this initiative, aligning its mission to support children’s health, wellness, and education across British Columbia. 

The fund actively breaks barriers to participation in sports through equipment donations and tailored resources, including lesson plans and materials focused on the 

D.R.E.A.M. principles:

• Discipline
• Respect
• Excellence
• Attitude
• Mindset

Through their generous support, the Canucks for Kids Fund ensures every child has the chance to thrive, both on and off the rink.

Mission Statement

The “VPD D.R.E.A.M Hockey Ball Classic” is a collaborative effort designed to:

• Build bridges between local law enforcement and youth.
• Inspire young athletes through mentorship and role models.
• Promote the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and physical activity.
• Foster a sense of belonging, respect, and leadership within the community.

This unique event serves as a celebration of youth, community, and the shared vision of empowering future leaders through sports.

Event Format

The tournament will take place on June 21st, 2025, in the breathtaking setting of Jack Poole Plaza. 

The event will feature three street hockey rinks, a full day of games, and plenty of opportunities for engagement with police officers, community leaders, and professional athletes.

• Teams:
  • 24 teams representing elementary schools (VSB, private, and independent) in Vancouver.
  • Teams of 10 students and one coach.
  • Mixed teams for students without a school team will be formed by the VPD’s School Liaison Officers (SLOs).
• Games:
  • Round-robin format with a guaranteed three games per team.
  • Each game will consist of two 10-minute periods with a 5-minute intermission.
  • Knockout rounds will determine the champions.
• Special Matches:
  • A friendly showcase game featuring Vancouver Police Officers vs. other first responders or Vancouver Canucks Alumni.
• Participants:
  • 240 students across grades 6 and 7, representing diverse schools and backgrounds.

Goals of The “VPD D.R.E.A.M Hockey Ball Classic”

Community Engagement

• Strengthen trust and understanding between youth and local law enforcement.
• Foster positive, non-enforcement interactions in a casual and fun setting.
• Highlight the role of police officers as approachable mentors and role models.
• Members of the VPD K9 Unit and Emergency Response Team (ERT) to attend the event, giving students an incredible opportunity to meet officers in uniform, ask questions, and learn about their roles in keeping the community safe.
• Students will also get an up-close look at ERT vehicles and equipment, making the day an engaging and educational experience. This event is more than just sports, it’s about bridging gaps, building relationships, and celebrating the shared goal of inspiring and serving our Community.

Physical Activity and Inclusion

• Provide an opportunity for youth to engage in a dynamic and inclusive sport.
• Promote the values of teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition.
• Encourage participation in physical activity among children who may not have access to traditional sports programs.

Youth Mentorship and Leadership

• Empower youth to develop confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
• Inspire young participants through interactions with professional athletes and community leaders.
• Highlight the importance of the D.R.E.A.M principles both on and off the rink.

Celebration of Youth and Community

• Create a high-energy, positive event that celebrates the achievements and potential of young participants.
• Foster connections and friendships that extend beyond the tournament.

Event Schedule

• 6:00 AM: Setup Begins
• 7:00 am: DJ/Music Set up
• 8:00 AM: Registration and Swag Distribution/ Photographer Arrives
• 9:00 AM: Opening remarks, introduction to rules, and motivational talk by Constable Meghan Agosta and Constable Kurt Spence.
• 9:30 am: Tournament Games Start
• 10:00 am: K9 and ERT arrive/set up. Alumni Arrive
• 12:00 PM: Lunch break with food trucks and showcase game (Canucks Alumni vs. VPD Officers)
• 1:00 PM: Games Resume
• 4:00 PM: Championship Match
• 5:00 PM: Closing ceremonies and Awards

Impact

The “VPD D.R.E.A.M Hockey Ball Classic” is poised to leave a lasting legacy by:

• Creating strong, positive relationships between youth and law enforcement.
• Encouraging lifelong physical activity and healthy habits.
• Equipping participants with skills and values that extend beyond sports.

By fostering trust, respect, and community spirit, this initiative will benefit not only the 240 students and their coaches but also their schools, families, and neighborhoods.

Funding and Support

To ensure the success of this event, we are seeking support for:

• Participant Swag: String Bags, water bottles, and T-shirts for all 290 participants. Coaches, VPD Members and other Volunteers will receive a t-shirt as well.
• Raffle Prizes: Signed NHL/Olympic jerseys, gift cards, sports gear, i-pads and tickets to a Canucks game.
• Event Logistics: Referees, Rinks, Goalie Equipment, Pinnies, Air Horn, Scoreboards, Photographer, Pop up Banners and Awards.
• Community Engagement: Canucks Alumni Honorariums, DJ/Music, and Lunch/Snacks for Student’s, Coaches and Volunteers.

Raffle

Exciting Raffle Door Prizes at the VPD Youth Hockey Ball Classic!

As part of the Vancouver Police Department’s Youth Hockey Ball Classic, we’re thrilled to offer raffle door prizes to add extra excitement and fun for all participants!

How It Works:

• Every participant in the tournament will have their name entered into a raffle.

• Each time a student’s name is drawn, they will win a prize—from signed jerseys to gift certificates. Adding an extra layer of excitement to the event!

Prize Draws:

• The raffle will take place at the end of the event.

• Every participant has an equal chance to win!

This is just one more way we’re making the tournament a memorable experience for all involved.

Vancouver Canucks Hockey Game

Exciting Raffle Opportunity: Win Tickets to a Regular Season Game!

We are thrilled to announce a special raffle for 24 Teams participating in the VPD Youth Hockey Ball Tournament! 

Every team will have the chance to win one regular season ticket to an upcoming regular season Canucks game, along with one ticket for a guardian/friend to join them for an unforgettable experience at Rogers Arena.

How It Works:

• 24 Teams will have their names entered into the raffle.

• One lucky team will be drawn, and each team member will receive one ticket to a Canucks regular season game, for themselves and a guardian/friend. 

The coach will also attend with the team to enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

This is an incredible opportunity to experience the excitement of live NHL hockey and cheer on the Canucks with a family member or friend!

The “VPD D.R.E.A.M Hockey Ball Classic” is more than just a tournament; it’s a platform for empowering youth, strengthening community bonds, and celebrating the joy of sports. 

By investing in this initiative, you’re helping shape the future leaders of Vancouver, one pass and goal at a time.

We invite you to join us in making this event a resounding success, leaving a legacy of trust, unity, and inspiration in the hearts of Vancouver’s youth.

Sign up and tell-em “Sportswave” sent you!!!!