DS: When did the players report back from their holidays? Could you tell that they were putting in some time over the break?
KH: The players started to filter back on the 29th, we were able to get three solid practices in before the first of back-to-back games against our rival, the Klippers. They didn't miss a beat, that first practice was phenomenal; I was so impressed with the group and the enthusiasm that was apparent.
DS: Coby Downs has been on absolute fire as of late, scoring five goals in the last two games. How proud are you of him seeing as he was in a bit of a scoring slump?
KH: We really believed Coby was two or three strides away from getting back to the scoring pace he was on at the beginning of the season. His skill will allow him to make plays in high pressure situations and that's where he is going now, right to the front of the oppositions net. The entire team is proud of Coby, his contributions will certainly help our team achieve the goals we set for the back half of the season.
DS: You have to be ecstatic with the way you're team has performed over the last couple of weeks. They are on a three game win streak, two of them against the division rival Klippers. Do you feel as though the team is playing their best hockey? Or is there always room for improvement? Has last years playoff loss been finally put in a coffin now that you are 6-0 against the Klippers?
KH: Last year was put in a coffin once the Royal Bank Cup was awarded and the page was turned to prepare for the 2015/16 season. Our objectives as a team is to continue to get better every game, and every practice. We are always seeking ways to improve as a team, preparation is at the peak of our plans moving forward. This group is extremely committed to the process and together, we will enjoy the challenges each day brings to push us towards earning everything!
DS: Daniell Lange had scored in every game except one against the North Stars going into the 2016 opener. How did you manage to shut him, Dexter Bricker and Austin Calladine down? It seemed as though Kindersley were on their heels the entire night, were you happy with the way your offence kept the pressure on, firing over 50 shots?
KH: We were really excited about the focus of the group and the tasks each line had entering the games. Every team in the SJHL has a threatening line and we will lean on the Davidson line to shut the opponents’ top lines down. They have embraced that role and have done a terrific job up to this point. The biggest challenge from the offensive perspective of our team is to ensure we compete harder than our opponent. We want to be first to pucks and we want to maintain puck possession with committed puck management habits. We will work on this characteristic every day.
DS: In a game that amounted to over 100 minutes in penalties, what types of things are you telling your team in a blow out of that proportion? The North Stars kept the gas pedal on all night, is that part of the philosophy of the team no matter the score?
KH: Absolutely, it is also a reflection of the goals we set. Regardless of the score, the small games played within the game matter to us. That includes special teams, five on five play, face-offs, and discipline to name a few. All of these things exist regardless of the score. They require team discipline to ensure we don't lose focus of them when distractions like a lopsided score exist.
DS: Ryan Rewerts has been tremendous since returning from injury, how great of a problem is it to have two tough goaltenders that can steal a game on any given night? What can you say about the Brett Clark, the third goalie you have brought on?
KH: We feel we need to challenge our goalies and with Brett Clark coming available who has experience winning a Western Canadian Championship, it added to the competition for the net. Ryan responded very well to this challenge since returning from Christmas, clearly making a statement to the coaching staff that he believes he can lead this team on a lengthy play off drive. We adopted a credo that we will earn everything this season. That challenge has been presented in different ways to all players and this was the challenge that existed for Ryan, Taryn, and Brett. I'm excited about this competition and the direction it is headed.
DS: Reed Delainey is back, Rewerts is back and Ryan Rosenberg return seems inevitable within a game or two, it seems like everyone is starting to get healthy at the right time with 19 games left to play. How important is it to have those players back in the locker room?
KH: We believe our identity exists today knowing that regardless of who is in the line up, the twenty players dressed will give everything they have to be better than the opponent. We have to adjust, that is simply the nature of this sport. What is really exciting about this group, when one player is not in the line up, another one steps up, that is special. Each of our players brings a unique quality to the team, when Delainey, Rewerts, and Rosenberg are added to the line up, they all make us stronger in their own unique way. I do know this; we have 22 players that want to play! They all want to play for the right reasons!
DS: Your penalty kill unit has killed off 81% of penalties in December. Is that a number you are okay with, if not, what kind of changes are you trying to make?
KH: What I like most about that number is that we can still get 19% better. That might not be realistic, however I learned a valuable lesson from Coach Atcheynum when starting the season and having 56 games to play...why not believe you can win them all! We are excited about the challenge of killing off every penalty we take the remainder of the season.
DS: Going up against a team like Melville, who are 10-25, only winning two out of their last ten and currently in last place in the SJHL, what is your game plan? I know you are not the type of coach to underestimate any opponent, do you look at a game like this as an opportunity to further yourselves from the rest of the league?
KH: We will prepare for Melville no different than any other team. In that game we will be faced with challenges that will factor into the goals we set as a team. Our mission is to achieve those goals together and Melville is the next team that will test our ability to do that. Coach Fiesel has been around a long time, his team will be prepared and they will compete!
DS: Is coming in first place a priority for you and your team? What goals are you looking to accomplish during the back half of the season and into the playoffs?
KH: It sure is, we believe we have the team to do that and this group is ready and committed to embrace that challenge. We have set a number of goals and our focus will continue to be on “Earning Everything” and “What’s Important Now.”
