It is with heavy hearts that the WildCats and Wild Special Hockey teams, and everyone at the Autism Okanagan Association, say goodbye to the team’s long-time Manager, Ian Wright.
Since the beginning of the WildCats Special Hockey team, 13 years ago, Ian had been a staple around the program. Initially introduced to the team by his brother Brendan, Ian volunteered to take on the role of Manager in 2007 and held that position until he passed away from muscular dystrophy on March 25, 2020.
Ian was a huge help to the WildCats and Wild hockey programs and helped with a number of tasks. From ensuring that players and families were kept up to date with program specifics, to making proper arrangements and ensuring that the coaching staff was updated on changes and cancellations, Ian made everything better and did everything with a smile.
Born on August 8, 1991, Ian was an accomplished athlete in his own right and represented Canada at the World Cup of wheelchair soccer in Florida in 2017. Beyond the WildCats and Wild hockey, Ian was also a 10-year season ticket holder with the Kelowna Rockets. The 2020/2021 WildCats and Wild Hockey Seasons will not be the same without Ian.
Ian Wright, you will be greatly missed.