The Ponoka Stampeders did not make the playoffs again this year and the junior B team’s head coach intends to step down to be an assistant.
Dave Parent has learned a lot during his half season as head coach. “I learned that it’s a lot tougher than what most people think.”
He stepped into the job about halfway through the season and had a strong desire to win games and prove himself; the pressure and inexperience showed.
“I don’t think I was ready to fill that role,” said Parent.
Despite an almost winless season with one win and one draw out of 38 games, Parent feels there is a core group of young players who can turn the team around if they return next season. Having a more experienced head coach will also help achieve that goal and the Stampeders’ board of directors is in the process of interviewing for next year.
Parent was asked to stay on as an assistant coach and help in that function, which “is a relief for sure.”
A few more years as an assistant coach will get him some much needed experience. The board has also asked him to come back and he feels it will be something he will enjoy.
Once players knew competing in the playoffs was not possible, they started to loosen up and relax and Parent used that time to remind them who they were playing for and the purpose of hockey.
“We have nothing to lose…play for the crest on your jersey,” he would say before games.
If many of the core group of players return, next season is going to be different, Parent added.
He has heard some discussion on whether rural teams such as Ponoka’s should even continue; saturated markets create a smaller pool of players to choose from and it means Ponoka may not get the top pick of players.
Parent disagrees, especially when he sees the excitement in the Stampeders when they tied High River 5-5 in the last 36 seconds of the game. “It shows those guys don’t want to give up.”
“I don’t like that comment actually. We need that support to keep those teams going,” he stated.
He does not feel the community should give up on the team as it is the fans’ support that keeps the team alive. “I know these kids don’t want to give up.”
The tie game broke up a losing streak that spanned almost the entire season and it rejuvenated the players, he added.
There are 14 teams in the Heritage Junior Hockey League, seven in each of the northern and southern divisions, The Blackfalds Wranglers lead the north division with 27 wins and the Okotoks Bisons lead the southern division with 33 wins.