6 • The Northerner • Friday, August 15, 2014
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The Northeast B.C. and Yukon Trackers are getting ready for the upcoming season.
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Trackers gearing up for 2015 season Byron Hackett Staff Writer
The Northeast B.C and Yukon Midget Trackers have taken a small step in order to prepare for the upcoming 2014-2015 season with the naming of new head coach Shawn Brinsky. Trackers General Manager Brant Leer noted that based on Brinsky’s vast experience at various levels of coaching, he was an easy and obvious choice. “Shawn is well certified as he holds all coaching levels including high performance development level. Shawn has participated in B.C. Hockey High Performance Provincial program for a number of years,” Leer said. “He is also our local B.C. high performance guy. We are looking forward to Shawn’s credentials bringing the team to the expectations of development.” The newly named head coach is both excited and honoured to be the head coach of an organization like the Trackers. “It’s an honour and a privilege to know that someone is interested in what you have bring to the table when it comes to coaching and the development of athletes,” he said. Although the goal with any hockey program is to be successful as possible and win the most games, for the Trackers development will be high the Brinsky’s priority list. “The reality is that if we are doing our job we are going to lose kids. That’s the sign
that we are doing well. If people want our players, that’s a good sign,” he said. “Honestly, I hope I have that challenge of having to work without [last years’ players] because it tells us we have done something well.” All the invites have been sent out to players and the first camp for the squad will begin on August 22 and extend until the 24. The second camp will take place on the first weekend in September (5,6,7). Brinsky explained that for the most part the first camp will be an opportunity to shake off the rust for the players but work ethic will be measured from the first moment the young athletes step on the ice. “I’m looking for kids with a high compete level. Effort can compensate a lot… If the effort is there you will always have a chance to win… In our practices, I’m not interested in how you start I’m interested in how you finish,” he said. Another big point for the Northeast B.C. and Yukon squad is they will for the first time be allowed to play B.C. Hockey Championships. Leer and Brinsky both noted the value of an opportunity to play in a tier one provincial championship. The trackers would also like to thank a long time sponsor who has moved on this season and the team will be looking for new sponsors for the upcoming 2014-2015 season. For more information contact Brant leer at 250-784-5019.