Q And A With The Coach - Homestretch Of The Offseason
July 24, 2010
Neepawanatives.com is pleased to present Q And A With The Coach - Homestretch Of The Offseason. With just over a month to go until The Natives commence Training Camp 2010, Coach Perrier shares his thoughts on the upcoming season. Enjoy!
Q - How are things going?
BP - "I think things are going very well. Everyone is healthy, our veteran guys are doing what they need to do and the recruits are all working hard. We have our workout equipment starting to make its way into the arena and our board has done an excellent job of preparing for the upcoming season."
Q - How do things look heading into camp?
BP - "We like our group, we like our veterans and we believe recruiting has been excellent. We have made some acquisitions which we are very excited about. As well, we have one more deal that is just being sorted out. We thought we had an announcement in June, but it has required some more work than we had thought."
Q - When will this deal be announced?
BP - "Soon. Within days. It does not involve rostered players on our end."
Q - What does the staff focus on at this time of year?
BP - "Development of the younger players and draft picks is very important. We are in regular communcation with out list players, draft picks and recruits. As well, we are focusing on practice plans, yearly plans for this season and we are communicating regularly as a staff to prepare for next season."
Q - What will your staff look like?
BP - "We will be returning Byron Billet as an assistant coach. Cam Tibbett is going to be going away to further his education. Shane Jury (former MJHL all-star and Natives' captain) is going to be involved. As well, we are defining a role for another area coach, who is going to help us this season. We will be talking more and more about his role and will let people know when it develops. As well, Jamie Hodgson (former pro goalie) will continue to provide goaltending consultation. Away from the rink, our scouting staff, player development and player personnel will remain unchanged."
Q - What are your expectations for the season?
BP - "We are remaining focused on the next month to prepare for camp. Everything is a process. We would rate our offseason very positively. We have had testing twice and we have seen every one of our vets and signed players at least once and most of them twice. For a team with players from all over North America, you couldn't ask for more. We want to have a great camp. We are going to be methodical at camp. We are going to use camp as a launching point for a great season. We have a plan and that is what we are focusing on."
Q - What other preparations have you made?
BP - "You name it. Everything from an already good dressing room being improved, the fitness equipment being built, the rink being refurbished inside. Things look great. Equipment is ordered, new jerseys are ordered, sticks are on their way. We have our billet situation in great shape. Even the bus is polished up and ready to go."
Q - Is recruiting complete?
BP - "Almost."
Q - What word would you use to describe the organization?
BP - "Two words would be 'efficient business'. I think we are a more efficient organization. We just have great processes being developed and efficiency is always developing and getting better. I guess I would say we have one heartbeat right now. It is a collective of everyone and everyone is pulling in the same direction. Our players are on board. Our billets are unreal. Our staff is a great group of people. Our executive and community supporters are all pulling in one direction. It is a great experience."
Q - Any other goals for Training Camp 2010?
BP - "It will be one more step in the evolution of our group. Heading into camp we have a group that already knows eachother on a personal level. Now, we have to find those other components. We look for some surprises. We are open to surprises. We are excited about guys stepping up."
Q - Is the team set?
BP - "We started off last season with 17 returning players and finished with two. It is fair to say that we are not afraid to make changes if guys are not on board. Having said that, I would like to keep this group together. I am pulling for our veterans to do well."
Q - What is the strength of next year's team based on who you have signed and returning?
BP - "We'll let others decide that. We want to be a five tool team. We want to be tough, physical, skilled, hard working and committed. We feel we will be a five tool team, based on what we have seen so far."
Q - What will be different this year?
BP - "Last year we watched video to gain some sense of familiarity with the players. This year, we know every single player we have coming in. We have seen all of our draft picks, our list players, our vets and our recruits. We know every player. It is a great advantage."
Q - What has been the biggest challenge in recruiting?
BP - "The only challenge to winning recruiting battles is to have enough discipline and work ethic to win the battles. Our staff has worked continually to get the guys we want. It is a challenge to push through and keep working. Recruiting is about work ethic and our scouts and staff have been working with great dedication and discipline. As well, communication is vital. We are all in sync and we communicate and help eachother in the recruiting process."
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