May 19, 2024 - Kingston, ON
The RELM Wranglers, a newly formed spring hockey organization, will make their debut in their first-ever U16A tournament May 24-26 in Toronto. Competing in the Memorial Holiday Classic, the Wranglers will showcase their talent and determination, marking a significant milestone in the organization's young history.
Coached by Shane Wannamaker and Adam Thomaes, the team will enter the tournament as underdogs. However, with their strong defensive play and cohesive teamwork the team has embraced the underdog title.
"Their energy and commitment from every player has been outstanding," said Coach Wannamaker. "They've worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and this tournament will test everything we have worked on".
With a large majority of the players being underage, Coach Wannamaker said that he isn't worried about the age difference, "when you watch our team, most people will have a difficult time picking out who's underage and who isn't. A majority of our players played on U15 teams this past winter, so for them its nothing new."
As the tournament progresses, the Wranglers will be a team to watch. A successful debut will not only boost their confidence but will also garner the support of the local community, eager to see their them rise through the ranks.
The Wranglers are set to face the ST Sunflowers in their first game on Friday, May 24 at Canlan Ice Sports York with puck drop scheduled for 4:20pm. Regardless of the outcome, the Wranglers' tournament will be a resounding success, laying a solid foundation for the future.