Wildeyes
10-31-2011, 04:40 PM
Former player and assistant Coach Dave Manson is back with the Raider organization. The member of the 1985 Memorial Cup championship team and former assistant coach from 2002-09 was on the ice Monday working with the defense.
The 16 year NHL veteran said after practice he is thrilled to be back with the organization who put him on the Wall of Honour in 2007.
"It started last week with obviously Bruno's decision to step down as Coach and teams in the league have three coaches, some have four, so I got a call."
Manson has been on the coaching staff of the Midget AAA Mintos since 2009 and got a quick reminder of the quickness of the WHL pace, even in practice.
"Obviously the WHL is a very good league, very skilled league, the players are very good at this level:, said Manson.
"It's a lot quicker than Midget AAA, but the game is still the game, there are certain things that don't change about it. I'll see if we can adjust to those and make the little plays that happen over and over and over again and happen consistantly".
The Raiders have given up 70 goals through 18 games so the defense has been under the microscope. However, Manson points out responsibility for defense falls on all five skaters on the ice.
"A lot of people like to think it's just the six defensemen and defense in hockey today is about five guys and the goaltender, six guys including the goaltender and they have to be committed to defending their net, keeping pucks to the outside and it's hard work".
Manson has been around the game all of his life. He said slumps are part of the game and breaking out of one is a process.
"I think everyone just has to be on the same page and we have to find a way to get a win and continue to make a few subtle little changes" said Manson.
"The biggest thing now is just to get to a consistant brand of hockey that will somehow eek out a win and hopefully that turns into a couple and try to put ourselves into a position to get back in the playoff race".
The Raiders have lost five in a row and 9-of-their-last-10 heading into Tuesday night's home game against the Calgary Hitmen. Their record of 4-12-1-1leaves the team 9 points out of a playoff spot.
The Raiders trail Calgary by 1 point, but the Hitmen have played six fewer games. The Raiders also play Friday vs Lethbridge at the Art Hauser Centre and Saturday night in Swift Current.
The 16 year NHL veteran said after practice he is thrilled to be back with the organization who put him on the Wall of Honour in 2007.
"It started last week with obviously Bruno's decision to step down as Coach and teams in the league have three coaches, some have four, so I got a call."
Manson has been on the coaching staff of the Midget AAA Mintos since 2009 and got a quick reminder of the quickness of the WHL pace, even in practice.
"Obviously the WHL is a very good league, very skilled league, the players are very good at this level:, said Manson.
"It's a lot quicker than Midget AAA, but the game is still the game, there are certain things that don't change about it. I'll see if we can adjust to those and make the little plays that happen over and over and over again and happen consistantly".
The Raiders have given up 70 goals through 18 games so the defense has been under the microscope. However, Manson points out responsibility for defense falls on all five skaters on the ice.
"A lot of people like to think it's just the six defensemen and defense in hockey today is about five guys and the goaltender, six guys including the goaltender and they have to be committed to defending their net, keeping pucks to the outside and it's hard work".
Manson has been around the game all of his life. He said slumps are part of the game and breaking out of one is a process.
"I think everyone just has to be on the same page and we have to find a way to get a win and continue to make a few subtle little changes" said Manson.
"The biggest thing now is just to get to a consistant brand of hockey that will somehow eek out a win and hopefully that turns into a couple and try to put ourselves into a position to get back in the playoff race".
The Raiders have lost five in a row and 9-of-their-last-10 heading into Tuesday night's home game against the Calgary Hitmen. Their record of 4-12-1-1leaves the team 9 points out of a playoff spot.
The Raiders trail Calgary by 1 point, but the Hitmen have played six fewer games. The Raiders also play Friday vs Lethbridge at the Art Hauser Centre and Saturday night in Swift Current.