While the Grand Forks Border Bruins only had one win last season, new head coach/GM Nick Deschenes hopes to have the team on the road to respectability.
“I’m really excited. I think having been there last season for a couple of games and seeing the potential that is here in Grand Forks, I’m really excited to come in and utilize all the resources that are there and to help rebuild the team,” Deschenes said. “Hopefully we can turn things around and move in a positive direction.”
He cited the fitness facilities (the rec centre, the pool) and their close proximity to the ice rink and Grand Forks Secondary School’s four-day school week as selling points for prospective players for the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League team.
“The way that the schooling is structured, with the four-day school week, maybe we’ll attract a lot of kids based on that. I think throughout the whole (2012/13) season, we’re only going to be missing two half-days of school for travel to games, if that,” said the new head coach.
Deschenes said that the Grand Forks Arena rink is a small but that could be beneficial, stating that the 1994 New York Rangers practised at a rink in Rye, N.Y. that was the same width – the local arena's dimensions are 54.86 metres x 24.38 metres.
“They (the Rangers) all admitted that when it came to a real ice surface, it felt like they had more time. So from a developmental standpoint and skill wise, I think a smaller rink can really speed up the thought process and enhance skills,” explained Deschenes. “I think that’s why, traditionally, the team (Grand Forks) is a little bit better on the road. Because with a little more room, things seem to happen a little bit slower but it’s because they practise at that condensed ice surface.”
With only one win last season and eight wins the season before, Deschenes talked about changes that had to be made.
“The whole culture of the team has to change. There has to be a certain expectation for success and we have to have a common goal as far as what is the ultimate objective of the team,” Deschenes said.
“For me coming in, I’m going to stress player development and so, with that in place, it’s like, ‘What do we need to improve on in order to promote that and enhance that?’ so I think establishing a better relationship with Grand Forks minor hockey, with the high school as well, working within the community; there are a lot of things that can be done that will attract better players, based on the fact that we’ll be better organized and be able to present a more fulfilling experience that will benefit anyone that comes to Grand Forks, regardless of the score on the board.”
Deschenes said there needed to be some self-promotion as well when selling players on playing for the team.
“When you’re talking to players, I think primarily you have to really sell yourself as a coach, as a person. A player needs to feel comfortable with you, your direction, what your philosophy is and where they fit within the whole structure,” he said.
“The next step is having them believe that as a player, they can come to Grand Forks and develop and reach their goal, whatever that might be, whether it’s getting an education or moving up to the B.C. Hockey League,” Deschenes went on to say.
The Border Bruins’ 2012 rep prep camp will take place between Monday, Aug. 27 and Thursday, Aug. 30 at Grand Forks Arena. See the team’s website (www.borderbruins.ca) for more details.