REGINA – Besides the NHL players Saskatchewan is producing, it’s important to look at the work that goes on behind the bench. The Saskatchewan Hockey Association (SHA) hosted a symposium Saturday to highlight such leadership.
The SHA is attempting to make sure the province continues to hone their skills with some of the finest Saskatchewan-born coaches sharing their tips of the trade.
The event at the Ramada Plaza in Regina featured a distinguished group of presenters including Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins.
“It’s so great the guys are willing to take the time to start coaching, but you have a big responsibility, you can make a difference in the player’s life,” said Desjardins.
“Know that what you’re doing makes a difference and it’s important for the players.”
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Desjardins is a former Swift Current Bronco and University of Saskatchewan (U of S) Huskie who took to coaching to stay in the game once he could no longer play.
The Climax, Sask. product took his first WHL head coaching job with the Saskatoon Blades in the 1997-98 season. He later coached to Medicine Hat Tigers to two President’s Cup championships and the AHL’s Texas Stars to a Calder Cup in 2014.
Desjardins just finished up his first season as an NHL head coach with the Canucks.
“I’ve waited a long time to coach at that level of hockey so I was excited about getting the chance,” said Desjardins.
“It was tough last year and it’s going to be tough this year.”
He is one of many hockey coaches the province has produced.
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Three of the seven NHL teams in Canada are now coached by men who have roots in Saskatchewan. Most recently, Todd McLellan joined the Edmonton Oilers and Mike Babcock is the new head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“I have a lot of respect for both those guys, they’re both outstanding coaches so I’ve been able to watch their game for a long time and admire what they’ve done, but they’re not just good coaches they’re good people and they put a lot back into the game,” said Desjardins.
“I’m really thankful that I got to grow up in Saskatchewan, there’s great people, I’ve learned a lot, it’s just a really good place to grow up. I’m really proud of Saskatchewan so I’m lucky to be able to coach in the NHL and I love Vancouver but Saskatchewan’s home.”
The symposium also included Arizona Coyotes head coach Dave Tippett and former U of S Huskies head coach Dave King. Coaches spent the day offering guidance on things like skills development, special teams and the use of technology with young players.
Kyle Galliver contributed to this story.
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