Kings take a look back on historic season

The Strathmore Wheatland Kings are taking a much-needed rest after a long hockey season. The team went to the second round of the playoffs but unfortunately lost the series to the Okotoks Bisons.  

The team is saying goodbye to 4 players who will be taking the next step in their hockey careers, Brett Willan, Zach Sunjtens, Jayden Hendricks, and Garret Vander Ploeg. 

“We lost four pretty important players, but we've got some guys that are going into their 4th year, they're going to step up, and I think they're going to do a great job,” explained General Manager, Lee Smith. “Our core is very good. There's lots of potential.” 

With some spots now open on the team, Smith looks forward to some newcomers next year.  

“In this group, we've got some pieces we've got to go out and find and try and make the team just that much better.” 

When asked about the highlights of the year, Smith said that their recent playoff run was one to remember.  

“Well, I think going as far in the playoffs as we have, it's been a long time since the Kings have made it to the second round. With the young team we had, I think we would call it a success.”  

The team fought tooth and nail against the Bisons, but unfortunately, could it was not enough to move on to the next playoff round.  

“Okotoks is probably one of the premier teams in the nation, not just in Alberta,” Smith continued. “I really believe that we gave them a really good run even winning one game in the second round. It was quite an accomplishment just for the simple fact that they had lost two games all season. For us to take game one, it was very good. The scores may not have reflected it but we were in it every game."

Over the season the Kings got out into the community by hosting food drives and helping set up the Celebration of Lights before Christmas.  

“We'd like to thank our fans for their great support in the playoffs and all year long. We filled the barn a couple of times in the playoffs and it was nice to see. It's nice to see the support that we get we look forward to next year as well.”