The Mustangs are back in Williams Lake.
The KIJHL announced the sale and relocation of the Summerland Steam franchise to Williams Lake last week, and will restore its historic Mustang mantle.
The Williams Lake Mustangs played in the Peace Cariboo Junior Hockey League from 1980-91 and the Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League from to 1991-96.
The sale and move was approved unanimously by the KIJHL’s Board of Governors. With the addition of the Mustangs, the KIJHL geographic footprint expands nearly 100 kilometres to the northwest and adds a natural rival for the Cariboo’s existing team, the 100 Mile House Wranglers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Mustangs franchise to the KIJHL and mark the return of junior hockey to Williams Lake,” says KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois in a release. “Our Board of Governors was very impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the individuals who make up the local ownership group, and we can’t wait to see the Mustangs hit the ice this fall.”
The new Williams Lake franchise will be owned and operated by a local group who bring decades of hockey experience at the junior, college and professional levels, as well as an extensive background and reputation within the local business community.
“Our group is excited to be part of a group that has been able to bring junior hockey back to Williams Lake, and more specifically, bring back the iconic ‘Mustangs’ brand,” says Parnell Pinette, who will serve as the team’s Governor.
“Growing up watching the Mustangs and aspiring to play that level in front of hundreds of screaming friends and family is a dream, and now we are able to give our local hockey talent that same opportunity.”
Williams Lake had applied to join the KIJHL in December 2016 but was rejected, as was a Quesnel application in 2017 due to their geographical location, and costs associated with travel that far north for Kootenay and Okanagan teams.
The Williams Lake Tribune also reported that Quesnel put forward another application this month and is awaiting a response from the league on its chances of joining the league in 2024. There is also speculation that the Kelowna Chiefs were looking to relocate this season.
The Mustangs will play out of the 1,100-seat Cariboo Memorial Recreation Centre, with renovations planned prior to the 2024/25 season to enhance team spaces, including the dressing room, team offices and broadcast area.
“Williams Lake is such a great sports town and we hope to build something they can be proud of,” added Pinette. “We’d like to thank the KIJHL for this opportunity.”
The team named Tyrel Lucas as its first head coach and General Manager. The Williams Lake minor hockey product enjoyed a successful junior playing career in the KIJHL, BCHL and WHL, as well as at the University of Calgary, before he played professionally with the Shreveport Mudbugs of the Central Hockey League from 2007-2011.
“Williams Lake has an extensive hockey history, and the resurrection of the Mustangs name is our way of honouring that,” says Lucas. “We hope to embrace the history and build a team on the foundation of grit, determination, hard work, and passion that defines our community.
“The team will give more local players the opportunity to elevate their hockey careers and play at the Junior A level, and it will provide them with the chance to do so closer to their home community.”