Back to lead the herd

Times Editor

 

After compiling a 14-11-9 record and a berth in the Mac’s Midget Hockey Tournament championship game, Jeremy Friesen will remain as the head coach for the UFA Bisons this upcoming season.

The local triple-A midget club made the announcement late last week, days after the annual awards banquet.

“One of the biggest things that Jeremy brings to the Bisons organization is he’s young and a great hockey mind,” said Bisons General Manager Wayne Hansen. “He thinks that game well, he understands the game and he relates well to kids at this level. He has their respect and he treats them with respect. 

“He has the ability to get the most out of them.”

Friesen, who joined the Bisons as an assistant coach a couple of seasons ago, will enter his second year as the team’s bench boss.

According to Hansen, Friesen was groomed for the job a few years back under the tutelage of former coach Parry Shockey.

Despite the ups and downs this season, it was a learning year for the Bisons organization, including the coach.

“This was a learning year for Jeremy. He‘ll probably be the first one to tell you he made some mistakes this year, but Jeremy is the type of coach that will learn from those mistakes, move on and just get better,” said Hansen. “We are thrilled to have him as our head coach.”

According to Friesen, the Bisons are a first class organization and he is thrilled to be the club’s head coach.

“I’ve been part of a couple of other (organizations) and it’s not even close (to the UFA),” said Friesen. “To be part of this is special – they treat you very well and they give you everything you need to be successful. There is a great support structure in place to give the guys everything they need to grow and develop. At the end of the day, that’s why I’m here too. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”