Friesen returns behind the bench

There will be a familiar face at the helm of the hockey team at Briercrest College and Seminary this year.

Lloyd Friesen, who previously coached the Clipper hockey team from 1982 to 1984, has agreed to be the interim coach this year.

“I am very thankful for Lloyd being willing to take on the interim role and provide the needed leadership to our hockey program this year,” Athletic Director Nigel Mullan said. “He has the ability to step in immediately and really keep things moving.  I think he can develop the players as there is great potential with the team coming in.  Lloyd has a long and storied career coaching and I think he will bring a lot of wisdom and knowledge to our team.”

In addition to previously being the head coach and assistant coach for the Clippers, Friesen has also coached the Caronport High School Cougars from 1986-1998 and AAA hockey in Moose Jaw. He is currently the president of the Saskatchewan AAA Midget Hockey League.

Friesen, who is the principal at Caronport Elementary School, is looking forward to coaching the college team.

“Yeah I am. I am looking forward to working with that age group,” he said.

“It will certainly be a challenge but life is full of challenges.”

Reaction to Friesen’s signing has been positive.

“I am phoning the guys right now and I’m having good conversations with them,” he said. “It’s very positive feedback and I’m excited to get to know the guys.”

Friesen is also thankful to be stepping in for Dalton Stotlz, who had to leave the team for personal reasons.

“I’m just going to take over where Dalton left off,” he said. “Dalton did a great job of preparation. He has everything prepared as if he was coming back.”