Shockey returns to guide the herd

Times Editor

 

After enjoying a successful first year behind the bench, head coach Parry Shockey is already looking forward to next season.

The UFA Bisons confirmed last week that Shockey will indeed guide the herd for the upcoming 2011-2012 season, after the two sides came to an agreement.

The well-known coach, who guided the Bisons to an 18-10-6 record last season, is looking forward to the challenge of coaching a team filled with new faces.

“We’re hoping that they move on,” said Shockey of the existing players. “That’s the sign of a successful season, when your players move on. We’re hoping that they find a place to play and get an opportunity to live the dream. 

“Midget is a really tough place to coach because of the turnover, but that’s part of hockey and part of the excitement of coaching.

“As much as you want to win, it really is about developing (the players).”

Even though he is preparing for the upcoming season with no returning players, Shockey said he will not adjust his coaching style no matter who makes the squad. Team officials expect zero to two returning players.

“I don’t think that anything is going to change,” he said. “The structure, the discipline, the accountability – those are qualities to making good hockey players.”

Shockey began his coaching career in the 1993-94 season, as an assistant coach to Mike Babcock and the Lethbridge Proghorns of the CIAU, where he won a National Title. 

The following two seasons, he was assistant coach with the Spokane Chiefs (WHL), winning the conference championship.

Shockey took over as head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes for the 1996-97 season, leading them to the Western Hockey League Championship and a finalist for the Memorial Cup.

He followed up his championship season by guiding the Regina Pats to a conference championship, before becoming part-time colour analyst for the Calgary Hitmen radio broadcast team for the 1998-99 season.

He began as a part-time scout for the NHL’s Los Angles Kings during the 1998 season, before joining them as their full time Western Scout from 2000-04.

Shockey was head coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Moose Jaw Warriors for the 2004 season, before taking time away from the game.

Last season, Shockey guided the Bisons to the South Division Championship Series, where they lost to Red Deer in a best-of-five series.

After a great season, the Bisons are optimistic for the future.

“Not that our players didn’t respect our coaches in the past, but when you have a coach with his history – it’s automatic, instant respect,” said Bisons General Manager Neil Glionna. “He’s been to the next step, so he knows what these players are in for. If they think it’s going to be a piece of cake – well it’s not.”

During his career, Shockey has coached NHL players such as Bryan McCabe, Brad Stuart, Barret Jackman, Chris Phillips, Kyle Calder, Dustin Boyd and 2010 Stanley Cup Champion, Troy Brouwer.

The Bisons are hoping to add a few more names to the list in the near future.