North Okanagan Knights sold and moving to Quesnel

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KIJHL commissioner Jeff Dubois told Vernon Matters, a lack of fan support was an issue in Armstrong.

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“North Okanagan had struggled with attendance (19th out of 20 teams during the 2023-24 season with 161 fans per game, one of just two teams averaging fewer than 200 fans per game) and I’m sure this was a consideration for our board in assessing a potential move,” Dubois said.

The commissioner added there were efforts to try and keep the team in the North Okanagan.

“The team’s previous owner, Dean Keller, had engaged with groups and individuals over the past couple of years with the goal of keeping the team in Armstrong, but ultimately nothing came to fruition,” Dubois told Vernon Matters.

The Okanagan Knights had their most successful season in 2012-13 when they advanced to the league finals before a five-game series loss to the Castlegar Rebels.

“The KIJHL would like to acknowledge the Keller family and all of the volunteers, billets, fans and sponsors who have contributed to 15 years of junior hockey in Armstrong,” Dubois stated.

The River Rush will be owned and operated by local businessman Tracy Mero, who has previously been the principal owner of the Kamloops Storm since 2019. Part of the KIJHL’s approval process for the sale and relocation to Quesnel involved the sale of the Kamloops franchise from Mero to longtime Storm president and governor Matt Kolle.

The River Rush will play out of the 1,300-seat West Fraser Centre, which was built in 2017.

“As a hockey parent and coach, it’s always been a dream of mine to bring locally-owned Junior A hockey back to Quesnel,” River Rush owner Tracy Mero said. “I’ve seen the passion from this community over the years and I know how badly parents and kids have wanted to see higher calibre hockey back in this town so that players can stay and play close to home. We have a talented group of board members behind this franchise and so many great ideas to bring exciting events to Quesnel and make this team a success.”

Dale Hladun has been hired as the River Rush’s head coach and general manager. Hladun has previously held similar roles with the Princeton Posse (2005-2013), Fernie Ghostriders (2013-2014) and 100 Mile House Wranglers (2014-2024). In 2016, he led the Wranglers to KIJHL, Cyclone Taylor Cup (B.C. Provincial) and Keystone Cup (Western Canadian) championships.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity Mr. Mero and his organization have provided me to return to Quesnel and be a part of the River Rush hockey club,” said Hladun, who coached with the BCHL’s Millionaires in the late 1990s. “I firmly believe the Quesnel River Rush will run a first class operation for players, our fan base and the north Cariboo, and that this organization will evolve to be among the flagship programs in the KIJHL.”

With the addition of the River Rush, the KIJHL geographic footprint expands a further 120 kilometres north and provides the Cariboo with a third franchise in addition to the 100 Mile House Wranglers and Williams Lake Mustangs.

Find the full news release here: https://www.kijhl.ca/kijhl-approves-move-to-quesnel