Nolan Horbach has brought consistency, leadership and a fresh outlook to the Battlefords AAA Sharks this season. (Submitted photo/Battlefords AAA Sharks)

By Martin Martinson

Behind the Bench

AAA Sharks extend head coach Nolan Horbach

Jan 24, 2024 | 12:22 PM

The Battlefords AAA Sharks have announced the team has agreed to an extension with head coach Nolan Horbach that will see him return behind the bench with the black and teal next season.

Currently in his first year manning the helm as coach of the local female U18 team, the Sharks’ program has seen a rejuvenation this season under Horbach’s leadership. The group improved from a tough last couple of years that saw the squad post just seven wins over their last two seasons, to now a 6-12-0-3 record this year. They sit fifth overall in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA standings.

Horbach said the decision to re-up with the Sharks was a “no-brainer,” as he believes this season is just the tip of the iceberg of what’s possible for the team moving forward.

“I knew I wanted to be part of this development process, and I understood development takes time,” Horbach said. “I’m committed to the group here and those that are interested in being a Shark, and it was a no-brainer for me.”

“I love being around the group, and I love their focus. They want to get better, they want to be challenged, and I’m excited – not only about what lies ahead for this year – but also the momentum we carry forward into the coming years.” – Nolan Horbach

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Director and treasurer with the Sharks, Jeanne Gilchrist said the team is extremely happy to have Horbach return, to continue to build on what he’s started.

“He’s been such a good fit with the programming and his belief and philosophy in player development,” Gilchrist said; adding that it’s a philosophy that extends beyond just the on-ice product.

“He [cares about] the whole person, not just on the ice, but the whole player and how they fit with school and billeting, he’s very insightful about all of those things.”

It’s a sentiment shared by the Sharks’ players as well. Team captain, Greir Slabaida is the lone returnee on the roster from a season ago, and spoke to Horbach’s impact this year, both on the group as a whole and her own game.

“He is a great and knowledgeable coach who connects with all of his players on a personal level,” Slabaida said. “He really puts our mental health first and gives us tools to help us out.”

“Giving me the opportunity to be team captain has helped me become more vocal, and a leader on and off the ice. He’s taught me to lead by example, especially with this young group of girls, and the knowledge he brings to every practice and game means we’re always learning new things and developing into better people and players.”

The Sharks were recognized for their progress earlier this season earning an invitation to the prestigious Mandi Schwartz Memorial Tournament in Wilcox, Sask., the largest female U18 AAA hockey tournament in Western Canada.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1