Taking over the reins of a championship team would be a daunting task to some, but new Powassan Voodoos Head Coach Beau Moyer says he is up to the challenge.
Voodoos ownership and management were on hand at the Burger World on Algonquin Thursday to formally introduce their new hire. Moyer let it be known that this was the job he pursued and wanted as he develops his skills as a coach on the way to what he hopes will be a major junior coaching position down the road.
"The big thing is, I'm trying to plan for my future. I've put in my time in minor hockey the last seven years. Moving up to the junior level and working with older players, I feel the time is now for me to make that adjustment. There's no better thing than coming back home," said Moyer.
Championship coach Scott Wray, with much the same path in mind as Moyer, vacated his position recently after being added to the North Bay Battalion coaching staff as an assistant. Like Wray, and the entire Voodoos organization, Moyer is dedicated to developing players and says that while he hopes the transition from Wray's coaching style to his is smooth for the players, there are bound to be some subtle differences.
"It will never be 'my way or the highway.' It will be what the group will do as a whole to be successful. I've never been one to really key in on wins and losses early in the season, it's more about developing players, allowing them to make mistakes and then putting them back out there. If everybody learns their lessons by the month of January, then everybody should be playing their best hockey down the stretch," said Moyer.
For more on Beau Moyer's recent coaching and scouting career, click here.
General Manager Chris Dawson foresees some changes in philosophy for the Voodoos on the ice, likening the coaching styles of Wray and Moyer to their attributes as former players. While Wray was an energetic, physical player, Moyer was known for his finesse, speed, and offensive skills.
Asked about his system and style, Moyer responded, "I'm a big believer that if you do the work inside your own blueline, you can allow the players the ultimate freedom to be creative with the puck. I never want to restrict any players, it takes the fun out of the game. The kids that work hard, do what they're told in the defensive zone, get the longer leash."
Dawson pointed out that while the team is, of course, grateful for Wray's contributions, making it clear his guidance will be missed, sometimes a move such as this can bring some "freshness" to the team. A different viewpoint from a new coach can help the success from last season (Powassan's first NOJHL championship) spill over into the next season. Roles defined by Wray and his staff can be re-examined, giving training camp a more wide open feel, something Dawson feels players respond to when the message is that they can play themselves into a more involved role on the team.
"I'd like to see our defencemen engage and be that fourth man in the rush," said Moyer, a skill already possessed by Dayton Murray and emerging with Bo Peltier. Moyer, through game streams, has seen the Voodoos play "at least 30 to 35 times. I know the roster up and down, I have knowledge of the league and what to expect."
Moyer has spoken to several of his new players and said they are excited to get going. "It's a special group, they were one of the youngest teams in junior hockey last year and the success that they had is pretty impressive."
"Beau reached out and let us know that if Scott left, he would be interested. You look at his resume, he's had some success in the Great North Midget League as a young coach, now fast forward ten years, he's coached some players that were drafted very high in the OHL draft. He seemed to be a perfect fit, with his knowledge of the area," said Dawson.
"I hope the transition is easy," said Moyer, "we're going to have to implement some new things come August. I'm just excited for the whole opportunity here."
