An important component of any sport is finding the right coach, a coach with experience, a coach that learns from past experience.
With Win Winofsky and Steve Williams, the Quesnel Kangaroos, the Central Interior Hockey League’s newest franchise, have found the right coaches, coaches with experience and who believe in community.
“I know all of these guys,” Winofsky said pointing to the ‘Roos hopefuls after the team’s first practice.
“With the Millionaires gone, this town deserves hockey.”
Winofsky, a native of Quesnel, has a ton of playing and coaching experience.
In the 70’s and 80’s, Winofsky laced up for the Bellingham Blazers and Saskatoon Blades junior hockey teams, then played in Germany for nine years.
When he returned to Quesnel, Winofsky spent time behind the bench for both the Millionaires and the Kangaroos, winning a Coy Cup with the latter.
“I’m excited about it,” Winofsky said looking ahead to the regular season.
At the same time, Winofsky admitted putting a team together from scratch is not an easy task, especially considering some of the players trying out for the team have not played organized hockey for some time and not all of the players can make the practices all the time.
Despite the inexperience of many of the players, Winofsky was also glad to see several players with junior hockey experience trying out for the team.
“We do have some skilled players here,” he said pointing to the a handful of players staying after practice to get in a few extra shots.
The key, Winofsky said, would be a strong work ethic.
“We’re going to out-hustle everybody,” he said.
“I’m all about commitment, I want them to show up, to play.”
Kangaroos assistant coach Steve Williams, who started skating at the age of three, also brings plenty of hockey experience with him.
Williams left his native Nakusp when he was 15 to play junior hockey in Nelson and Pencticton.
He followed that with five years of hockey with the Univesity of British Columbia Thunderbirds while earning his B.Ed.
The lure of hockey then led Williams to Powell River where he served as assistant coach for three years for the Kings of the BCHL, from 2000 – 2003.
Following the 2003 season, Williams moved to Quesnel to take a position with Arrow.
A Hockey Canada certified coach, Williams said the decision to join the ‘Roos coaching staff was an easy one.
“I thought the community took a big blow losing the Millionaires,” he said.
“I’m one of the guys that wants the ‘Roos to do well.
“If I can help this team be successful, then great.”
Thus far Williams said he was impressed with the commitment from the players trying out for the team.
“In some of the skating drills I’ve looked for some of the guys to quit and they haven’t,” he said.
Winofsky and Williams have put the ‘Roos hopefuls through tough practice sessions on purpose, to test the commitment of the players as well as to build up their endurance, something they hope will give them an advantage as games wear on.
Commitment and battle will be important keys to any success the ‘Roos hope to achieve this year, Williams said, given they will be facing teams that may have players with professional and semi-professional experience.
“It’s not that they [‘Roos] can’t play at that level, but it takes a bit to get used to.
“It’s one of those things you have to feel.”
The combination of Winofsky and Williams behind the Kangaroos bench has put smiles on the faces of those around the Kangaroos, including the executive and the players.
“We’re really fortunate to have them on board,” club president Jack Marsh said.
‘Roos forward, Paul Girodat, who has seen his share of junior hockey coaches here and abroad, was also happy to see Winofsky and Williams step up as bench bosses.
“We’re lucky to have quality coaches behind the bench,” he said.
“Other teams have player coaches, so having Win and Steve behind the bench is an advantage.”
The Quesnel Kangaroos coaches and players have their first test Saturday when they face the Omineca Ice at Twin Arenas. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
