A focus on speed and having fun playing hockey is the new philosophy of the 100 Mile House Wranglers.
That’s what interim head coach Lee Hansen is trying to bring to the team this season. Now with his first victory under his belt, a 5-2 victory over the Chase Heat on Jan. 14, Hansen said he’s looking forward to leading the team into the rest of the season.
“I’m very excited to be a part of this team and in this role. It’s pretty neat to do it in my hometown,” Hansen said. “This is my first time as head coach (for a Junior A hockey team).”
Hansen grew up playing hockey in 100 Mile House playing for 100 Mile Minor Hockey and the 100 Mile House Bears senior men’s hockey team. Whenever he coaches Wranglers games he enjoys seeing people he played hockey with or watched him sitting in the stands to cheer on the Wranglers.
For the last year and a half, Hansen has served as the Wranglers’ assistant coach under former head coach Dale Hladun, who left the team earlier this month. Taking on this new role is a bit intimidating but a challenge Hansen enjoys.
“The first couple of practices and the first game were pretty nervewracking but the boys have supported me and been behind me,” Hansen remarked. “The boys were very happy when we got my first win against Chase and everyone has bonded together quite well.”
Right now Hansen is working with the team to set up a new structure for the team to follow. It’s based on the way he was taught to play growing up in 100 Mile House with an emphasis on having fun while playing the game of hockey.
“This is an important few years of the boys’ lives they’ll always remember so I want to make sure they’re having fun.”
Hladun’s style of hockey was centred around a strong defense that was tough to play against. Hansen said he still plans to keep the hard-hitting aspect of Wranglers hockey intact but wants to place a greater emphasis on a speedier “run and gun” style of play.
Using their increased speed Hansen said this will open up more options for the team to utilize their individual strengths as players.
Hansen still feels confident the Wranglers will be able to make playoffs noting they are two points above the Chase Heat in the standings. So long as the Wranglers continue to improve and Chase fails to win games, he said they will make playoffs.
After the end of the season, Hansen isn’t sure if he will become the Wranglers’ new permanent head coach. While he’d love the chance to keep leading the team for seasons to come, he’ll be happy with whatever decision the Wrangler executive makes.
“If they’re happy with me I’d love to stay on as head coach of the team but if not I’m happy to become the assistant coach again and help out in any way I can,” Hansen said. “I love the support this team gets, in 100 Mile House (the stands are) packed almost every night. The support is unbelievable and I hope it just continues for this team.”
