Chris Lewgood is the new head coach and GM of the Estevan Bruins.
Lewgood comes to the team from the Pilot Butte Storm of the Prairie Junior Hockey League. He has coached the team for the past six years, winning four PJHL championships and making the final all six years.
Lewgood spoke about his coaching style in an interview.
"It's hard to pinpoint. I am an open-minded coach. I'm an analytical coach. I like to analyze the situation and try to react, more so than put a plan in place (and stick to it). I think in this day and age, opponents are so strong in reacting that (you have to make adjustments)," he said.
"I'm a coach that believes in discipline, hard work and accountability."
He added that he's looking forward to making the jump from the Junior B ranks to Junior A after spending the last nine years with the Storm - three as assistant coach and six as head coach, including the last four years as general manager.
"That's the number one thing that comes to mind is how excited I am at the new challenge. I'm excited to grow as a coach. I'm excited to learn the different ways of a Junior A league. It's an exciting process. I really look forward to not only the skill level, but the determination of the players," he said.
"In my position in Junior B, it was important for us to understand the Junior A level very well. The Bruins, being one of the closest teams, we had a good working relationship with the team in the past. I've gotten to know their roster fairly well."
Being familiar with the Bruins' personnel, Lewgood said he's optimistic about the team's future.
"I think there are a lot of good elements in place. I think the Bruins are a team that's close and I look forward to visiting with the executive and current staff members and putting a plan into action," he commented.
With SJHL player cards expected to be issued soon, Lewgood doesn't have much time to prepare for the recruiting season, but he said he's going to hit the ground running.
"There's a lot of work to do. This timing is OK. We have to get our butts off the couches and meet some players and make sure they understand that we plan on winning. There are some key guys we need to talk to and make sure they know that."
From the Bruins' release:
"Chris came highly recommended to us as one of the top young coaches in the province. As an executive we have said time and again that our goal is to build a perennial contender in Estevan. Chris has done just that in the past as the Storm are one of the model junior B franchises in western Canada. We have every confidence that he will bring that same level of success to the Bruins organization," said President Jeff Pierson.
"Chris is very familiar with our organization, players and protected list which will enable him to hit the ground running. As well, Chris has established a strong network of contacts in the hockey world that will further enhance the work of our scouting staff."
"My wife and I are excited about becoming part of the community," Lewgood said. "I've been a fan of the SJHL for a long time and I think with the resources in place the Estevan Bruins have a bright future and I am excited to be part of it."
See more in Wednesday's Mercury
