Henry appointed new Bisons head coach

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The CFR Chemicals Bisons have named last year’s assistant Sandy Henry as their head coach for the 2015-2016 season.
Henry’s two sons, Darion and Jordan, both went through the Bisons system, and having been involved with a structurally sound program the last couple of seasons under the guidance of former head coach Dan MacDonald, he learned the importance of developing young players and moving them up to the next level.
He feels honoured to have gotten the nod to be the head coach of such a great organization that he has been around with for a long time, but said he was not expecting this opportunity to arise.
“It’s always an honour,” said Henry. “My family has been a part of it for a long time but certainly I never would’ve thought the opportunity was there. The circumstance came about and we had to make some decisions that the board felt they weren’t quite satisfied with who was available as far as head coaches.”
He added a group effort behind the bench will be needed as he will rely on his assistants Dave Atwood and Doug Raycroft to provide feedback on the team’s performance throughout the year.
“I think it’s going to be a group effort and it had to be that,” he said. “We want to make it right, we’re going to do a good job with it, but we had to share it out to make it work properly. I’m the head coach in name, I wouldn’t say I have any more responsibilities than those other two guys with the program.”
Henry hopes to continue the success that MacDonald created.
“Because we had success, we understand what type of individuals we need to replicate again,” said Henry. “And who thrives under that environment that Dan created (in) that type of atmosphere. We’re going to ask guys to be accountable, we’re going to ask guys to work hard every night and put the team ahead of individuals. It’s going to be a skill-based development program.”
With training camp starting next week, Henry will instill a winning attitude and high expectation that will be similar to last year’s Telus Cup team.
“I think our success last year, is creating an expectation in the whole draw zone that this team is capable of winning a national championship and that should be everyone’s aspiration when they come in,” said Henry. “We have a good track record of really advancing players on to the next level and I think that’s an expectation that you’re going to come here and work yourself into a situation.
“You’re going to work hard, you’re going to learn how to be a better person, you’re going to learn a billet situation.”
He added that the veterans are not guaranteed a spot on this year’s team, and they better be prepared to come in and battle hard to ensure that they secure a spot.
Bisons General Manager Wayne Hansen said Henry’s personality and his knowledge of how the team is run were contributing factors to the hiring decision.
“Sandy is well respected in the hockey community, not just amongst our players but our board as well,” said Hansen. “At the end of the day, after we did all the interviews and did all the talking, it just made perfect sense to go with somebody who’s already been in here and continue to work on the things that’s made us successful the last couple of years.”
Hansen mentioned the team wants to play with integrity and speed at all levels and the organization felt that Henry can further develop the players in those aspects of their games.
The CFR Chemicals Bisons will open with rookie camp on Sept. 5 and 6 before opening up main camp from Sept. 8-11 at the Strathmore Family Centre.