Former head coach and GM of the High River Flyers of the Heritage Junior B (HJHL), Colten Hayes has officially moved on to the Old Grizzlys as an assistant coach.
Hayes mentions how it's a dream come true to move up to the AJHL after spending a number of seasons coaching in the HJHL.
"It's kind of a dream come true, I was just having a conversation a little bit ago with a friend there. I have been waiting a long time for this opportunity and as soon as it presented itself, Brad Tolbin (head coach of the Grizzlys) gave me an opportunity to take the jump and I jumped on it as quick as possible. It's been a really fun couple of weeks up in the AJHL, and it's been really cool," Hayes said.
The Grizzlys have been a team since 1974 when they were first based out of Taber and had the team name of the Golden Suns. They would move to Olds in 1981 and haven't left since. Hayes talks about the rich history of the Grizzlys and how he looks forward to changing the culture from the past few seasons.
"That's what we are trying to bring back is that old rich history of the Olds Grizzlys. I think in the past couple of years they have been struggling a little bit. Brad and I are trying to change that whole culture around like I have kind of done in the past with the teams I have taken over. Hopefully, I can help these young men develop and move on in hockey, and give them the guidance that I had when I was younger playing in the (AJHL) under James Poole, Derek Stuart, and Jeff Peters," he said.
Hayes has already used his connections in the HJHL to bring in some talent to Olds as Justin Vandermeer who was with the Sylvan Lake Wranglers has been added to the Grizzlys. In four games Vandermeer has posted two assists.
While a number of athletes from the AJHL have tried to crack the BCHL with the move of some Alberta teams like the Okotoks Oilers, he still feels the talent level at the AJHL is high.
"I think the quality of the league has gotten a little bit stronger. I think the SJHL and AJHL are two of the top tiers now with the BCHL moving on. There is a lot of really good hockey players. I think those players who can't make those BCHL teams are coming down and still playing in the (AJHL). I still think it's going to be a really competitive league just as much as the SJHL, MJHL, and the rest of those JHL leagues out there," Hayes added.
Hayes said he really appreciated the fans in High River and the Flyers who made it feel like a home away from home. He said last year was a really successful season for both the Flyers and himself personally.