The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings announced earlier this week their search for a new Assistant Coach is over. Bailey Montieth will be the new Assistant Coach for the Weyburn Red Wings this upcoming year as they look to repeat their successes of last year, making the SJHL finals for the first time since 2012. A Kamloops, B.C. native, Monteith talks about his time growing up and falling in love with the game of hockey.
“I grew up in Kamloops watching the kind of late 2000s early 2010’s Blazers teams which were really good, made a lot of deep postseason runs. And I remember being season ticket holders with my mom and going to a lot of playoff games with my dad and just basically from the moment I could walk, I was into hockey.”
Not just an avid observer however, Monteith grew up in the Kamloops minor hockey system as a goaltender before entering junior hockey. He played with the Osoyoos Coyotes in the KIJHL, the Kerry Park Islanders of the VIJHL, the Alberni Valley Bulldogs and Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCHL, the Virden Oil Kings of the MJHL and concluded with the Portage Terriers of the MJHL and the host team of the 2022-2023 Centennial Cup. Monteith talks about how that journey has shaped him today.
“Yeah, couple stops along the way, quite the suitcase at times but that's going to help me here in the coaching because I played with so many different players that I'll be able to help now moving forward just from all the experiences I had with guys and I was in many different roles throughout my career. Like, I started out just kind of grinding, being a third (string) or a backup goalie. Then, once I got out to Manitoba, it was kind of my time to learn how to be a starter too. So, I’ve worn many hats, I’ve played in many places and I feel those experiences will help me guide the players, get the most out of them and then in turn help the Weyburn Red Wings win more games.”
At just 23 years of age, Monteith is one of the youngest assistant coaches in the SJHL. With the youth, his energy and the vast experience moving around in hockey, Monteith feels players can gravitate towards him for advice and relatability. Monteith is excited for the opportunity and can’t wait for the season to get started.
“Well, first things first, Weyburn’s called the Opportunity City for a reason. When it came across my desk to work with a guy like Cody (Mapes) and to join a team that went to the finals last year accompanied with the fact that it's called the Opportunity City. It's kind of written on the wall right there. It was really a no brainer to work with a guy like Cody, who's open minded and him and I share the same views when it comes to player relations and just day-to-day how to improve players and get the most out of them. I'd say I think about my first day and our first exhibition game and our first regular season game, I'd say I think about those at least three to four times a day. I'm just excited to join a group that did the damage they did last year and again continue on build on what they did and hopefully achieve even more.”
In a statement posted to the Weyburn Red Wings Facebook page, Head Coach and GM Cody Mapes said; "Bailey is a driven and knowledgeable coach who will make an immediate impact in our locker room. His ability to connect with players and push them to be their best is exactly what we were looking for. We’re thrilled to have him join the Red Wings family."
The Red Wings are hosting their AGM tonight and will have a volunteer night on August 26th before fall training camp takes place. Fall camp will conclude with the Eric Calibaba Cup Red vs. White game on Sept. 1. Four preseason games at the start of September, then an Alumni game on Friday, September 12th. The annual Par 3 tournament will take place the next day, Saturday, September 13th. Finally, regular season will kick off with a home-and-home against the Yorkton Terriers starting at Crescent Point Place on Friday, September 19th. For more information about the Weyburn Red Wings, visit their website at www.weyburnredwings.ca and follow them on their Facebook page.