When the Athabasca Aces hit the ice this fall, they will do so with the guidance of a new head coach.
Tony Kiselyk, who has coached the team since its inception four years ago, is stepping aside to make room for some new blood in the form of Curtis Creaser.
An Athabasca native who moved back to the town earlier this year, Creaser has considerable experience in the sport, having played a number of years at high levels of junior hockey before concussions brought his playing career to a premature end in 2002.
But rather than let his knowledge and experience go to waste, he has found a new calling in the sport as a coach, both with teams and at hockey schools.
His appointment with the Aces will be his first head coaching post.
“I’m honored to have been asked to coach,” he said last week, just days after accepting the role after months of discussions.
The Aces, and Kiselyk himself, have had their eyes on him for a while.
“I’ve been coaching a long time. I think we need a bit of a change,” explained Kiselyk of his decision to step down.
“(Curtis) is perfect for the job. He knows the game pretty well, he has a passion for the game, and he’s respected by the boys. He’s a good fit.”
Indeed, Creaser is no stranger to the Aces, nor they to him. His brother Jeff patrols the crease as the team’s goaltender and he grew up playing hockey with a number of the other players.
That familiarity should allow the team to hit the ground running when they reconvene for the new North Central Hockey League season later this year.
On the ice, Creaser believes the Aces have all the tools they need to make a run for the championship, and he’s not afraid to set his goals high.
They’re also a team that’s built to play the game the way he likes it played.
“I like an aggressive game. I like to have the other team reacting to what we’re doing,” he explained. “You’ve got to win those small battles and do the little things right, and play well as a team. Heart wins games over talent nine out of ten times.”
He also believes in the importance of approaching the game with respect, whether you’re on and off the ice.
“We take pride in who we are and where we’re from. To have the opportunity to be a part of something that’s representing Athabasca, that’s really important,” Creaser said.
Different coaches have different styles of approach. For Creaser, the process of forming his identity as a head coach will be ongoing, but he intends to get down in the proverbial trenches and work with the players.
“I’m familiar with the speed of this level, the talent level and the commitment level. That helps with relating to the players,” he said. “There’s a way to gain people’s confidence and respect and it’s not by yelling and swearing.”
That’s similar to Kiselyk’s philosophy on the game.
“They play better when they like you,” laughed the now former coach.
Both the old coach (who will remain with the team in an executive position) and the new one are looking forward to the start of the new season and hope to get the community involved in a number of ways.
The team tryouts will be open for those who want to try their hand at high-level hockey, and they’re hopeful more fans will come out and embrace the team.
To that end, Creaser intends to ensure that Aces games will always be worth watching.
“Expect an exciting season.”
