Battlefords North Stars head coach Connor Logan wins SJHL Coach of the Year

While the award means a lot to Logan, he is adamant that it’s deserved by his entire staff and team.

“It feels great, just grateful. Got a really good staff. Owen Lamb, Wylie Riendeau, Taryn Kotchorek, and you don’t get into these situations without their support,” said Logan. “Then obviously having a fantastic team that goes out there and takes care of the work on the ice. So, just grateful for the people around me.”

Logan also expressed his gratitude for the leadership group and how much they helped from the start of the season.

“They’ve just taken everything that we tried to do this year, and they’ve taken it in stride and embraced it. They’ve done a fantastic job, and it’s bled into the room and how some of these young guys approach the game.”

Winning a championship as a player in the 2016-17 season alongside his assistant coach Owen Lamb, Logan has tried to pass along some of the values that he was taught onto his squad as they chase a ring.

“We just really wanted to take what we had here as players in 16-17 and for (Lamb), 18-19 as well and just try to really instill that culture. When you’re a part of the culture that had a lot of success, I think it’s easier to relay that message when these guys are now in a position that you were at one point. They know the things that you’re trying to implement work, and I think that trust and belief has been incredible.”

A theme with the North Stars this season has been how tight the group has been, with Logan implementing a positive team culture.

“I think when you look at the success of teams like culture over everything for myself and (Lamb), when we were players, it was a focal point of our team that everybody was important from your leading scorer down to your APs. Everybody was as much a part of it as the next guy,” Logan said.

“Something we’ve really tried to push with our group is just to embrace everybody. Make sure that everybody’s feeling included, and if you put the jersey on, you’re a part of this team and you’re expected to carry the culture and standard with you.”

While having previously played in the league could help Logan understand the playstyle as a coach, he said the league has changed since he laced up the skates.

“The game has transitioned a lot with the style of players and the style of play. It’s a credit to all the coaches in this league who stay up to date with the game… It’s a dynamic game. You could just tell yesterday the caliber of hockey, and the parity speaks for itself, how well coached everybody is. I think that’s a big part of it.”

While it is a prestige honour for Logan to win the award, he still knows where his priorities are heading into playoffs.

“I’d trade 20 of them for a championship.”

The North Stars will start the chase for the championship when they host the Melfort Mustangs in Game 1 of the first round on March 20.

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Ryan.Lambert@pattisonmedia.com

by Ryan Lambert

Battlefords North Stars head coach Connor Logan wins SJHL Coach of the Year

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