Game On Magazine 2017 Nov Game On low res | Page 63

worked under Dyck as an
assistant coach for four
years before moving on
to take the head coaching
position with Winnipeg’s
RHA Nationals Midget Prep
program two years ago.
“In that time frame it
was very important. It’s one
of Paul’s strengths in how
he connects with everyone
individually. He’s going to
make you feel like you’re
part of something special.
Whether you’re a sponsor,
player, fan, coach, owner,
he makes you feel part of it.
He has this way to make you
rally around the program.”
And results on the ice
and in player advancement
speak for themselves.
On top of the league title,
the Pistons have become
a model franchise in the
11-team league. They are
consistently among the top
teams in the standings, leaders
“
WHEN THE PROGRAM
REALLY NEEDED SOMEBODY
HE WAS THERE
”
in attendance and annually
graduate players to higher levels
including college commitments
in the United States.
Coaching was never
something that Dyck thought
much about as a player or
shortly after retiring. But
sometimes it’s not what you
choose but what chooses you.
And in a game that evolves
constantly, he’s an adapting
tactician, demanding and
exemplary in the hard work he
puts in and expects from those
within the Pistons’ program.
According to Smith, his
former mentor’s coaching
philosophy is sage and
successful.
“Paul wants his players
to enjoy the experience,”
he says. “If you don’t have
those guys engaged no one
is going to grow. He’s created
an all-around complete
program. Where guys
can flourish and become
professionals and make it
to the next level of hockey.
He makes you accountable;
he demands works and
execution. Those are things
that players can control.”
Now, when you build a
model Jr. A program that
experiences consistent
success others ultimately
start to notice. Subsequently,
inquiries start to follow and
opportunities to advance
in the game are offered.
But firmly entrenched
at home, Dyck has resisted
the itch to leave his post.
“It’s been an enjoyable ride,”
he says. “Currently, this is
truly where I want to be. I’ve
had some opportunities in
the last couple of years. We’re
not ruling out the possibility
of moving on at some point.
But this is home. Not just
for our family, but I really
enjoy coaching at this level
and age group in particular.
“I’m still very passionate
about our program. I’m a
Steinbach Piston through
and through. There are
challenging days but in the
next few years I don’t see
myself going anywhere.”
And unlike thirty years ago,
his MJHL experience is at
home. It’s something others
in Carillon enjoy too, thanks
in part to one of them. ❍
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