With the departure of Colten Hayes, who's joined the Old Grizzlys of the AJHL as an assistant coach, the High River Flyers have brought in Jeff Gardner to assume the role of head coach.
Gardner has been the head coach for the Flyers in a previous two-year stint and was given the opportunity to come back to build the team within his vision.
"It's not ideal to come in this late but, the guys are buying in as well with what I'm talking about, our strategies on the ice, and working hard. Coming in at this point too, we had a massive push on recruiting right before the season there but, we got some players in and got guys who are hungry and want to be here. The transition has actually been as good as it gets for the scenario that we are in," Gardner explained.
Gardner's coaching style leans into the team's grittiness while still producing a fast-paced and skilled style.
Another quality Gardner likes his team is a good culture off the ice.
"What we really value is our culture around the team, that no quit attitude, and going to the last second," he added.
Gardner is no stranger to the HJHL, having played three seasons with the Airdrie Thunder earlier on in his hockey career. He also played senior hockey with the Nanton Palominos before moving on to coaching. In addition to his coaching job, he also works with JAG hockey development.
While the past weekend wasn't one to write home about, the start of the HJHL season saw the Flyers playing very competitive hockey with several new faces on the squad.
"We have a bunch of rookies on the team, a whole ton of new faces. There are very few veterans who are returning to the team, so we basically have an entirely new group of guys. It does take a little time for them to gel, but like I said before our culture is really good here, and we are really working hard," Gardner said.
Gardner also stressed the importance of forging bonds with his players as it helps them buy into his vision for the team.
"It's really important to get to know your players as a player on the ice, but also on a personal level too so they can start to trust you, understand why you are doing things, and build those relationships to move forward from that."
High River has started the season on the road and won't be back at home until the start of November, due to ongoing renovations at the Bob Snodgrass Rec Plex.
Gardner explained that it is a blessing in disguise as players usually bond the most while on the road and build trust with one another.
He also added that once they do get back home, the long homestand during the winter months will be great as they won't have to travel on the slippery roads.
Gardner said when he got the call to be the head coach of the Flyers it was tough because he had a lot of other commitments lined up. Even though that was the case, he said it was "a no-brainer" to come back as he loves being with the Flyers and the organization as a whole.
The High River Flyers will play in back-to-back games this weekend with the first game being hosted by the Airdrie Techmation Thunder today (Oct. 4) at 8:00 p.m., and then they head to Coaldale tomorrow to face the Copperheads.