The Yorkton Terriers are celebrating their 40th anniversary in Junior Hockey. Over the course of the season Yorkton This Week will be providing vignettes looking at the proud heritage of the team through the eyes of those who have stood behind the bench in the past four decades as head coaches of the Terriers. This is the second in the series.
What years did you coach in Yorkton?
Coached in Yorkton from Dec 1997 to July 2000.
What do you remember most about the community?
My fondest memory was most likely the entire Royal Bank Cup experience and how the entire community got behind us as we played our best hockey of the year.
Who was the best Terrier you coached? Why?
The best player I had the privilege to coach while in Yorkton was Nick Schultz (EDM) it was only as a call up from the Parkland Mallers. Nick was our best Dman and was 15! On a regular basis night-in and, night-out players like Dennis Bassett, Devin Rask, Trevor Weisgerber and Ryan Lang were true game-breakers that won us many hockey games.
Is there a particular game which stands out in your memory? Explain why that game is memorable.
Most memorable single game would be the win over Vernon in the RBC, that was the loudest I'd ever heard the Agri-plex. Vernon went on to win the national championship but never beat us!
Did you coach after Yorkton? Where?
After my time in Yorkton I was fortunate to be given an opportunity to be a WHL as Head Coach in both Prince Albert and Prince George.
Where do you live today? What do you do?
Currently I am the Assistant GM and director of player Personnel for Prince George (WHL). Also I'm serving a two year term as the Head Scout for Hockey Canada's U-17 Team Pacific. I am married, have two children and reside in the Lethbridge, AB area.
