Welcome to the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League New Bench Bosses series. This series highlights each new league coach and next is Tyrel Lucas of the Williams Lake Mustangs.
Lucas was born and raised in Williams Lake and started his junior playing career with the KIJHL’s North Okanagan Kings in the 2000-01 season. He then went on to play in the BCHL with the Quesnel Millionaires and in the WHL with the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Prince George Cougars and Calgary Hitmen. He played in U SPORTS for the University of Calgary then advanced to the pro level and played in the Central Hockey League before returning home to Williams Lake, playing his final season in 2018. Last season Lucas coached the Northstars Hockey Academy in the Junior Prospects Hockey League U17.
KIJHL: Tyrel, what are the experiences you have gained over the years that gives you the confidence to coach at the junior level?
TL: I will be drawing from my playing experience first. As soon as I was done playing, I entered the coaching business as my family opened Total Ice Training Centre in Williams Lake in the spring of 2012. I have been coaching all ages of players from junior, pro down to learn to skate. I deal with parents and players, and try to help them navigate the hockey pathways. I haven’t coached junior hockey, but skill development and dealing with kids, and different personalities is not new for me.
KIJHL: What do you enjoy about coaching?
TL: I like skill development. Each player needs something different and it’s finding out what that is. It’s taking a group of individuals and turning them into a team. The progression throughout the season is what inspires me – building towards the goal of winning a championship.
KIJHL: Talk about your coaching style and how you want the Mustangs to play in its first KIJHL season to pave way for the future?
TL: The biggest thing is getting the right players here that are willing to put the work in. If you are not willing to work, then it’s going to be a long year. We’re going to be pushing players and want them to be the best. With that is being in shape – having fitness standards. Second is putting the work in on the ice. Yes we’re demanding it, but they are going to want to do it for their teammates and play for the coaches. That is going to translate on the ice.
KIJHL: Do you have a coach who made such an impact on you that you lean on when needed for advice? Why is that person so important?
TL: I’ve taken a lot from the coaches that have coached me in the past – some of the good things. I have formed my own coaching style over the years. I love bouncing ideas off of my assistant coaches and the influences in my life that are with hockey. I love hearing everyone’s ideas. I take all the information in and think on it, then try to come up with my decision.
My dad has been right there from when I was a player, a big part of my life and hockey journey. He is involved in the Mustang ownership group and it’s super cool to have him here.
KIJHL: What is your favourite hockey moment as a player or coach?
TL: This past season winning the Junior Prospects Hockey League U17 championship is definitely up there. Experiencing that as a coach as we went through adversity during the season. We took chances on players at the start that really came through in the end and turned into amazing people and hockey players. To have my kid on the team and share that moment with my son was definitely amazing.
KIJHL: Away from the rink, what are things that you like to do?
TL: Spend time with the family – in the summer we love golfing, fishing and boating. In the winter we are tied up at the rink. I have two boys and a girl – 16, 14 and 12.
