Estevan Bruins fans and local media got an introduction to Keith Cassidy on Monday as the team held a meet and greet for their new head coach at Spectra Place.
About 20 people showed up for the event, which also included a press conference.
Bruins defenceman Dominic Perrault and winger Michael Hengen also attended, meeting their new boss for the first time.
"It certainly is an exciting day for me, and it's exciting for the city of Estevan with all that's going on, with the new building," said Cassidy.
"You have a lot to be proud of, a lot to build on around here and it's certainly exciting to get to work."
Cassidy met with Bruins director of player personnel Rick Oakes later in the day to begin the process of familiarizing himself with the team's returning players and prospects.
He said he had already been in contact with Oakes over the phone in the days since he was hired on April 21.
"I want to find out from returning players what they enjoyed about last season, what they didn't enjoy about last season, what they feel are the benefits of playing here and what can be improved upon," Cassidy said.
"I'm going to take the knowledge that I get from them and when I speak to the first-year players, I'll be picking their brain in a bit of a different way, but also establishing some expectations right off the bat."
Perrault said he was impressed with Cassidy and, as a returning 20-year-old, looks forward to playing for him.
"Looking at his previous record, I'm very excited to see how he is on the ice. He seems like a really good guy off the ice," said the Regina native.
"I'm sure he's the same on the bench, so I'm excited to be able to work with him."
Perrault said the coach told him he will begin to meet with players in mid-July.
Cassidy said he is confident about making the adjustment to SJHL hockey.
"On the ice, I know hockey's hockey. I've always taken the approach that you coach what you have, then you go out and get parts and pieces to make your team better. "Off the ice is obviously going to be an adjustment with the added (general manager) role, but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
Bruins president Jeff Pierson said Cassidy's experience will help him get through the learning curve.
"He brings a wealth of experience to this hockey club on a number of levels," said Pierson. "Obviously, everyone is familiar with his record. It speaks for itself. He's been there, done that at the junior level."
Cassidy said he looks forward to engaging the city and its fans.
"The people that I've met here so far, there's a real sense of community around the hockey club. I'm looking forward to interacting with the community, getting the players out in the community and being something this community can be proud of."
