Harley Gilks is still getting settled into his new role as head coach of the Quesnel Kangaroos men’s hockey team.
Having guided the local Midget Tier 2 team to a provincial championship this spring, hopes are high for the former Kangaroo player.
“It’s going to be a learning curve,” Gilks says of the transition from coaching the Midgets to the men’s squad. “The Midgets were young adults, so they look to impress you, where the men on this team have played a lot of high-level hockey up to this point, so I have to leave it to them a little.”
So far he has been able to get a lay of the land from seeing the team in tryouts and the first couple of practices.
“I see a lot of skill on this team,” he says. “There are a lot of young guys coming up and there’s a lot of speed.”
As a coach who puts an emphasis on toughness and physicality, he is pleased with the size of some of the Kangaroos too.
“We’ve still got a lot of big boys on the team, so it’s going to be a good season for sure.”
While he is hesitant to make any predictions before the first game has been played, Gilks says he is, “shooting for .500 for sure,” but will have to see the first few outings to get a good idea of where the team is at and how it compares to the competition.
In the meantime, he is doing everything he can to get the team ready.
“It’s always a bit of a struggle getting the guys in shape at the beginning of the season,” he says.
“But you’ve got to have speed and you’ve got to be able to skate and you need conditioning if you’re going to try and keep up with everyone else.”
The mindset is just as important, he insists.
“You’ve got to keep the attitudes in check and just keep the morale up. That’s the biggest thing with a good team. If everybody’s happy, then we will do well.”
As every great coach needs a little help, Gilks will be leaning on trainer/equipment manager Tyler Coleman and assistant coach Rob Zappone to ensure the operation runs smoothly.
To give them an added boost, he is hoping the crowds turn up for the home games.
“Quesnel has always been a huge hockey town and [the games] are a great time,” he says.
“It’s perfect for kids and families and there are a lot of local guys playing on the team to cheer.”
With the home opener at West Fraser Centre just around the corner (Oct. 13), the team are also looking for game-day volunteers.
If anyone is interested in offering a hand, contact Samantha Wright at samantha.wright@westfraser.com.
sports@quesnelobserver.com
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