Three former minor league hockey players from Smithers are suiting up for the expansion 100 Mile House Wranglers in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League this season, hoping that a jump to Junior-B will pave the way to future hockey success.
Mike Lynch, Luke Santerno and Stephan Egan all grew up together, their Smithers hockey careers culminating in a season for the Midget Storm under head coach Brendan Hutchinson last year,
“We had a really good group of kids last year,” Hutchinson said. “They’re good people, good players, they took instruction really well, so it’s great to see them having success at the next level. There is lots of buzz in 100 Mile House about the team and it sounds like the kids are having fun with it.”
By expansion standards, the Wranglers are off to an excellent start with a 3-3-1 record after seven games and the trio from Smithers have been major contributors.
Luke Santerno leads the team in goal scoring with six goals, forward Mike Lynch has two assists through seven games and Stephan Egan has been a defensive, physical force, killing penalties and leading the Wrangler’s checking line.
They ended up with the Wranglers after attending the team’s hockey camp last spring.
Each player brought something different to the table, but they all caught the eye of first year head coach Doug Rogers.
All three were offered conditional cards at the end of the tryout, and were pursued heavily by Rogers throughout the summer before they eventually decided to commit.
“We had been watching each of these guys for quite awhile last year,” Rogers said. “Heading into the season, getting them on our team was our primary focus.”
The trio are hoping that a successful season in Junior-B will lead to bigger and better things. First, a chance at playing Junior-A, and then a scholarship at a U.S. college or Canadian university if all goes to plan.
Before getting there, each player is working to improve upon their skill sets and fitness.
Head coach Doug Rogers preaches hard work above all else.
“He is awesome, he really works us hard,” Egan said. “As an expansion team, our focus is to outwork everyone and he is really helping with that.”
For 17-year-olds in a league with players as old as 20, the adjustment can be harsh at times, but so far none have looked out of place.
Fortunately, they all have the necessary attributes to succeed.
Egan probably won’t burn out the goal lamp this season, but his intangibles are off the chart.
“Stephan is extremely physical,” Hutchinson said. “He’s great on the penalty kill, a great forechecker, he’s a good leader and a good teammate. He’s one of those players that every team needs and wants, but doesn’t always get the recognition they deserve.”
“The more you watch and the longer you’ve been around, you realize those players are a real asset.”
Santerno’s off to a scorching start, which has a lot to do with his on-ice smarts.
“Luke has a really strong hockey IQ,” Hutchinson said. “He’s one of those guys that just naturally sees the game at a slower pace. He’s a great passer and he protects the puck really well.”
Santerno was recently named an affiliate player by the Merritt Centennials of the BCHL, meaning, he’ll get a chance to practice with the team this season and will likely suit up in Junior-A.
“It bodes well for him, being on the radar,” Hutchinson said. “He’s had a good start to the season there and teams above are taking notice.”
As the oldest of the three, Lynch has the smallest window to play Junior-B, but his game is a little more advanced than the two players his junior.
Lynch was one of the last cuts at the Cowichan Capitals Junior-A camp this fall and from the sounds of it he’ll be one of the top players on the team this year.
“Mike is one of the most offensively gifted players on our team,” Rogers said.
Though being one of the last cuts at camp can be tough for a player to take, it can also be a blessing in disguise.
“Mike is a special player,” Hutchinson said. “But it’s a big jump from tier three hockey to junior. You have to learn systems, you have to learn how the game is played. I think this year playing Junior-B will be good for him to help him bridge the gap.”
Coach Rogers hopes that all three will play a major part in helping the Wranglers make the playoffs in their inaugural season, and, in the process, further their own minor league careers.