Taking the reins of the herd

Times Editor

 

An opportunity in the Western Hockey League has resulted in the UFA Bisons naming a new coach for the upcoming season.

Jeremy Friesen will stand behind the bench of the local triple-A midget team, after former bench boss Parry Shockey joined the Victoria Royals of the WHL.

“After last year, I knew Shocks was kicking some tires around and looking to get back into the higher levels,” said Friesen, who was an assistant with the squad last year. “We’ve been chatting quite a bit and I went through the (head coach) interview process, so if Parry decided to leave, then they would hire me.

“Coming into last year, that was part of the initial conversation with Parry – not only was it a great opportunity (to be assistant coach) for me, but a chance to kind of mentor under him and learn a lot.

“I knew it was going to be a one or two year stint under him and hopefully transition into the head coaching role. It happened a little sooner than I thought it was going to, but I definitely learned a lot from him and I think it’s going to help us out this year.”

The Bisons finished last season with an 18-10-6 record, good enough for third place in the South Division. The Bisons made it all the way to the South Division Final, before losing to the eventual champs, the Red Deer Optimist Rebels.

Friesen hopes to continue building on that success this season.

“I think that there’s going to be a lot of similarities in the way we play,” said Friesen. “I learned a lot in that man-to-man defensive zone that we played – I think it’s effective and efficient and I think it teaches these kids how to play at the next level. That seems to be what everyone is playing these days in some sort of variety.

“I would like to pay a little more attention to (special teams), that’s a huge part of success in this league.”

After last season’s successful campaign, the Bisons expect less than five players back this coming fall.

However, the expectations remain the same.

“I might be a little bit less colourful than Parry, so you might not see quite the antics that you saw on the bench and on the ice” laughed Friesen. “The expectation is going to be the same as far as the work ethic. I think Parry did an excellent job of setting the standard as far as accountability and work ethic and what it means to put that uniform on.

“We’re definitely going to have to build on that and make sure the kids know what kind of privilege it is to wear that jersey.”

Friesen is excited to drop the puck this coming season, especially after having a taste of it last year. 

“I learned a lot, not only from Parry, but just how the organization is run,” said Friesen of last season. “Coming over from Lethbridge (minor midget) – (and) they have a good program there – but Strathmore really treats its players well. They do whatever they possible can to give these kids a chance to succeed. 

“I think that’s absolutely critical.”

Bisons general manager Neil Glionna is thrilled to have Friesen behind the bench.

“Jeremy was the perfect (candidate). If Parry couldn’t come back, he was a (great) alternative,” said Glionna. “Jeremy tried out to be a Bison, it’s looking like he’s going to have some ex-Bisons on staff, which I always like to see.

“I’m excited (for the season).”