The Quesnel River Rush
2024-2025 Recruitment Package
Proud Member of the KIJHL
The Quesnel River Rush are a franchise in the KIJHL based in Quesnel, BC. The KIJHL is widely regarded as the top Jr. B league in Canada.
Quesnel River Rush Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower young men through holistic development, mentorship, education, and community engagement, fostering their well-being, leadership skills, and positive relationships.
About the KIJHL:
The KIJHL is widely regarded as the best Jr. B league in Western Canada. With 21 member franchises, the KIJHL offers a competitive league for players aged 16-20. More than ever, there is heavy emphasis on skill, structure, speed, and learning to play the game the right way – with passion, integrity, and sportsmanship. Each year, there are at least 3 players from each team who move onto play a different level of junior hockey, and most 20 year olds aging out of the KIJHL are recruited heavily for NCAA D3, ACHA D1, BCIHL, ACAC, and many other college/university conferences.
Team Ownership:
Tracy Mero is a successful and well-respected business people in the community. He purchased the Quesnel River Rush in 2024 after successfully running the Kamloops Storm for 7 seasons.
Coaching Staff:
Head Coach & General Manager
Dale “Duner” Hladun
Dale is a born and raised Manitoba native.
He is familiar with Quesnel junior hockey as I had been part of the original Quesnel Millionaires coaching staff when the Rocky Mountain League dissolved and the Mills joined the BCHL in the mid 90’s.
He has coached Jr. A or B programs in Comox, Princeton Fernie, Cowichan Valley, and Bozeman Montana. Dale is nearing 20 seasons in the KIJHL and is vibrantly proud of many of the successes he was able to experience with the kids and the clubs.
Dale intends the fans to experience a hard working honest club that is tough to play against. He also want the community of Quesnel to be proud of the kids away from the arena, as we plan to have them very involved throughout the community in multiple events. Quesnel can also expect our River Rush players to represent our community very well when we are on the road throughout the province.
Our City: Quesnel, BC
Nestled amongst the landscapes of British Columbia, Quesnel is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Quesnel is located approximately 110 km south of Prince George, which houses a major airport and endless shopping. Quesnel itself also houses an airport with regular flights to Vancouver. Quesnel is surrounded by wilderness.
With its history Quesnel is steeped in the stories of pioneers and prospectors, with plenty of historic sites, museums, and heritage buildings to uncover.
Quesnel boasts a tight-knit community known for its warmth and friendliness, especially regarding its pride in hockey and all sports. You’ll feel like part of the family in no time.
Despite its small size, Quesnel has a vibrant arts scene and an amazing community to be a part of.
The Barn:
West Fraser Centre
Constructed in 2017 – the West Fraser has been a vibrant addition to the already appealing city of Quesnel.
The upper level features 1,300 fixed seats with a capacity for about 1,500 people. The upper west plan includes concession and a multi-purpose room with a “VIP” seating balcony. The south seating extends from the concourse to ice level, while north seating is perched upon the locker rooms below, creating the sense of a large seating capacity. The WFC includes a walking track, spacious new change rooms, conference rooms, training rooms. The permanent dressing room for the Quesnel River Rush is spacious with full laundry facilities, showers, and access to the training room next door. The West Fraser Centre is already living up to it’s name as one of the nicest facilities in the KIJHL League.
Culture & Team Information: Coming SOON
Practice time: COMING SOON
Equipment Provided
The Quesnel River Rush provide the following equipment and apparel to their players each season: Helmet, gloves, pant shells, team bag, tracksuit, hoodie, hat, workout t-shirt, and workout shorts. There are various other pieces of apparel and equipment that differs each season.
Contact Information:
Coach Dale Hladun
250-946-6271
Business Manager
Hillary Shearing
250-983-2926
General Inquiries
Sales/Marketing
Hillary Shearing
250-983-2926
