By Simon Druker
Staff Writer
Wednesday May 07, 2008
The Dynasty Jets of Morinville head into the off-season with a new priority as of Friday. Head Coach Terry Maslyk announced that he was stepping down after five years behind the bench, his second stint with the team. Maslyk also served in a coaching capacity with the inaugural Jets teams. Maslyk, who has been coaching in some capacity or another for 38 years, had been mulling the decision over "since the season began to wind down" and informed the team of his decision this week. "It's time to move on," he said.
Team President Dan Blackburn stated that the team and Maslyk had come to a mutual agreement. "It's a big commitment," Blackburn stated when asked about the job, "Five years is a long time."
Maslyk agreed with Blackburn's sentiments. "It's been five years which is a long time...I'm glad I was able to be there this time around," he stated. With Blackburn and the executive in their first year at the Jets helm, Maslyk also felt that the proper thing was to have them be able to choose their own coach.
Though he feels the time is right to walk away, he will miss coaching. "Absolutely, I've been coaching for 38 years and there's a reason why I've done it," Maslyk said when asked whether or not he's miss being behind the bench. He was quick to thank former Jets President Murray Knight, both for the opportunity to guide the Jets and also for sticking with the organization through the years, saying "It takes a special person to keep this team going."
The Jets will immediately begin an advertising to fill the coaching vacancy. According to Blackburn, the team will advertise locally first, between Morinville, St. Albert and Edmonton. Blackburn hopes to close the application portion of the hiring process by the end of the month. After that, an interview committee will be formed from within the team executive to screen potential candidates and further whittle down the list.
Blackburn said the team would be looking for experienced candidates to fill the position. "Someone who has experience at the Midget AA or Midget AAA level" stated Blackburn, as an example. The new coach will have to be able to "get the most out of his players," according to Blackburn.
While that may seem like an obvious statement, it is easier said than done at this level of hockey. Coaches have to contend with 20 different personalities from 20 different players, ranging in age from 16 to 21. Players come from a multitude of different backgrounds and locations, especially as the team steps up its scouting efforts. In some ways, a coach must me as much a role model and mentor as a tactician. In Blackburn's words, the new coach is going to "be able to be a good team builder."
Whoever comes out on top will have some big shoes to fill. This past season, Maslyk took the Jets to the playoffs for the first time in a number of years. He accomplished this despite having 14 rookies on the roster and losing his top defender for most of the second half of the season. Despite the hole created by Maslyk's departure, Blackburn is confident that they will find the right man for the job.
Publisher: Sonia Fedorus Proprietor and published by Bowes Publishers Limited at 10205 100 Avenue, Morinville, Alberta, Canada T8R 1P9
