DS: What a great way to end off the week. Four straight wins while clinching the Finning Division with nine games remaining (at the time). In respect to the teams you've coached in the past years, how special is this team you have assembled? What are going to be your first thoughts when you see the "division champions" banner up in the rafters? Winning the division in two of the past three years, your accomplishments as a coach are on display at the CC, could your expectations be any higher heading into the playoffs?
KH: Every team I have been fortunate to coach has a special place in my heart. This one has been extra special for many reasons. The leadership on this team has been phenomenal, they have really solidified what it means to be a North Star and the responsibility that comes with it. All of the players have worked tremendously hard and have embraced the roles and responsibilities asked of them. All banners aside, this group was assembled for one reason and they are tuned in for what that is. We are very determined to earn everything, when that has been accomplished, we will reflect on the journey and what it means to all of us.
DS: Knowing that Notre Dame is a potential first round opponent, what did you take away from the 10-3 game Wednesday? Certainly the North Stars are a team that has clear set goals for each period, keeping their foot on the gas pedal.
KH: We really wanted to keep our team on track after a tough couple of games against La Ronge and Melfort. What was important to us that game was staying focused on the goals we set as a team that will be beneficial long term. Our players were very determined against Notre Dame and we managed that game from start to finish. Our staff was extremely proud of them.
DS: In Melville, Jake McMillen played his 200th game as a North Star and as an SJHL player. Not a lot of hockey players can say they accomplished that feat. What can you say about McMillen, who is in his final stretch as a North Star, and who is having a career year at possibly the best time to have one?
KH: We are so proud of Jake and fortunate that he has contributed to the building of this team. What Jake has accomplished over the course of four seasons will stay with the North Stars forever. He has been an ambassador for the team and a professional in everything he has done. Playing 200 games is a huge accomplishment which speaks on his versatility as a player and ability to play through challenges.
DS: Layne Young, a player that expected to amass 20 points this season, is now the number one rookie goal scorer in the entire CJHL. He is also riding a seven game point streak. Have you ever seen a player come from AAA to have so much success? What about his game sticks out to you?
KH: Layne simply loves the game. He is such a humble competitor that consistently shows up with his best effort. I don't know if I have ever seen a first year player impact the game as much as he has this year. Much of that has to be contributed to his focus, which is always here and now. Not a lot distracts Layne, he is a very calm, collected, and cool player.
DS: A 32-save shutout from Tyler Fuhr against Yorkton to shut down a young but tough team in the Terriers. How pleased were you with his and your team’s performance, coming off a game against Melville in which you thought the team could have played better? The penalty kill also did a great job of shutting down one of the best power play units in the league. Can you see the Terriers being a dominant force in the next couple of years?
KH: It was great to see Tyler earn a shutout in that fashion. With an extended break, he should have confidence heading into his next start. After watching video of the games, our team managed both games very well. Offensively, our play with the puck is really starting to take over hockey games. Defensively. we needed to make some adjustments and our players responded very well. The first and third periods of the Yorkton game were very good for us. The penalty kill is all about outworking your opponent and controlling important parts of the ice. Our players have done a great job of making sure the opponent doesn't have easy entries into our zone and keeping them to the perimeter. Yorkton will definitely be a team to watch, I would say as early as the playoffs this season. They have some very good players and they play extremely hard.
DS: Levi Kleiboer registered three assists against the Terriers and has been showing his strong ability to see the ice throughout the season. He won defenceman of the week, while Igor Leonenko won player of the week and Layne Young took away rookie of the week. Is it nice to see players like Kleiboer gain this type of recognition? What does this do for the teams confidence?
KH: Any time you are recognized for a good performance it helps one’s confidence. It is evidence that the hard work and sacrifices you are making are paying off. These guys support each other like brothers, when one player achieves something, they are all there to support and congratulate.
DS: One player that may not get enough credit is Baxter Kanter. One of, if not the strongest player in the league, can throw his body around with the best of them. He is a dynamic part of the energy line with Davidson and Nachtegaele. He also contributed with a goal in Melville to ice the game and can be equally effective as the many goal scorers on the team. How important is he to the North Stars?
KH: Baxter is a piece of the puzzle that completes the big picture. Without him, our team would not be successful. Over the course of his junior career, he has improved steadily and is now really coming into his own, dominating physically and contributing offensively. He plays the game to his strengths and sooner than later, someone will take notice and he will be playing at a higher level. In the meantime, we are very fortunate he is in our colours and not someone else's.
DS: It was nice to see Reed Delainey get back on the score sheet with a goal with the injuries he's been fighting this year. Every time he steps onto the ice he seems like he is making a difference. How much of a boost does his presence give to you and the rest of the team?
KH: Reed's presence is definitely felt on the ice and as a leader. What Reed has gone through this season will only make him stronger when a bigger challenge comes his way in the future. We saw glimpses of Reed's capabilities this past road trip and it is very exciting to know with this extended break and some earned confidence, Reed will be playing at full speed by playoffs. He will be an offensive threat every time he steps on the ice. What a dangerous weapon to have.
DS: The power play went 3/10 over the three games this weekend while the penalty kill remained perfect, killing off all ten penalties they faced. Numbers i'm sure you are impressed with from a coaching standpoint.
KH: Special team play will be impactful come playoffs. It is critical that our team has confidence in both when called upon. Coach Johnson has done a tremendous job with the powerplay and our penalty killers have dialed it in this past few games. We are excited at how that part of our game has developed.
DS: Not being in action until Feb. 19, how will the team spend the break? I'm sure you guys will be hitting the ice for practice, will you also be making an appearance at the Jackfish Lake Ice Fishing derby? With some time to reflect, will the game plan be much of the same against Yorkton next time around?
KH: We have a detailed plan in place to earn success over the course of the next couple of weeks. This is a critical time that will help prepare us for the break we will have while the Survivor Series is taking place when playoffs begin. Our guys will be working hard to help make the fish derby a huge success. A lot of hard work by Trent Cey and the Board members has been invested into the Derby. With some good weather and some big fish, it is destined to be successful. Our players will do their part to ensure that happens.
