He’s young—just 30 years old, but has plenty of experience in his field.
Bill Rotheisler, it seems has hockey flowing through his veins. This Calgary born hockey coach flew into his first gig as a coach when he was just 19.
While working at Sport Chek, his boss asked him for a favour—needed some help with the team because their coach didn’t show.
“I just winged it, says Rotheisler. “The following day the same thing happened and the next thing I knew, I was coaching a Senior AAA Women’s Team!”
With family in Penticton, he spent summers with the Okanagan Hockey School and the Pursuit of Excellence Hockey Academy in Kelowna.
Rotheisler has served as program director, coordinator and coach for various teams. He was Head Coach and Manager at the BC Hockey U16 and U17 programs. He is proud to have represented Team Canada Pacific at the U17 World Hockey Championship, whereupon they won a bronze medal and half of the team was drafted to the NHL.
In 2010/11 an accident on the ice set things back a bit for the young coach. Disk injuries put him into rehab for about six months but he said, “my back is getting much better.”
During the 2012-2013 season Rotheisler served as Head Coach of the Comox Valley Glacier Kings in the VIJHL. “It was a good year,” he said, “the Kings made it to the league finals.”
“I did a pretty gutsy move after that,” said Rotheisler, “I stepped down the day after.”
Wanting to be closer to family in Penticton, he started to look for positions available in closer proximity.
He heard about a possible position in Princeton and gave then, president John Babiak a call.
A number of changes were happening then within the Posse organization and a call back did not happen.
“I was pondering two offers, when out of the blue I got a call from Dean Johnston.” I didn’t really know what to think—so I drove out the next day,” said Rotheisler.
He was very impressed with new board, and the new president.
“It is my intention that you don’t leave here without signing with us,” said Johnston.
Rotheisler said that he was, “shocked and flattered,” and that he told Johnston that he’d have to sleep on it and would get back to him by 10 a.m., the following morning. “It’s what I do with all decisions, he said.”
Crazy with excitement, Rotheisler placed the acceptance call to Johnston at 9:55 a.m.
Rotheisler says the people in town are so receptive. “I just love them!” “People here really want to know how you are doing,” he said.
Support has been incredible from the Town, RDOS, Lyle Thomas, Minor Hockey parents…everyone.
He’s been very busy scouting for players. “There are going to be no weak links,” he said, “we are going to have a good, strong team.”
Assistant coaches Dave Clare and Mark McNaughton, joined by goalie coach Shane Mainprize are all just as motivated and ecstatic about the upcoming season as the head coach is.
This Wednesday, Thursday and Friday fans are encouraged to drop in and watch local players on the ice along with returning, new and hopeful Posse players.
Home exhibition weekend takes place Sept. 7 and 8. Sat. at 7 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m.
Sept. 13 is the Home Opener. Get ready for the Tailgate and Tent party, refreshment garden as well as live pregame entertainment.
With a new season, comes a great need for homes for the out of town Posse players.
“These players will engage in the household, be a part of the family,” said Rotheisler.
President of the Posse, notes that there are three directors in charge of billet housing this year topped off with community liaison, Anthony Pankratz.
Family season passes as well as $500 will be extended to those who provide a player with a positive environment, meals and their own room—a good home.
“Eleven years ago the arena buzzed with activity. The organization is abuzz again with anticipation and excitement for the upcoming season. The energy and enthusiasm in the Posse office and change room is infectious,” states president Johnston.
Can you help carry on this enthusiasm?
If you are interested in providing a home for a player please contact Linda at 250-295-6117, Email: info@princetonposse.org or visit the information booth at the arena during main camp during August 28 to 30.
