TISDALE — New Tisdale Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat is excited to develop a group of talented young players next season.
In May, Kubat was named the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League team’s head coach. Former Trojan Cole Simpson will be the squad’s general manager. They take over the roles previously held by Darrell Mann. After making it to the Telus Cup national midget AAA championship tournament last season, the Trojans expect to have many new faces this season as only four to six players are forecasted to return.
“We are going to be a young team,” Kubat said. “That young team [we’ve signed] … five of them were captains on their teams from last season. [I’m excited about] the leadership that they will bring and just working with some younger kids. I look at how well some of our 15-year-olds developed this year. Seeing how far we can get them in a year is something I’m really looking forward to.”
Of the players who might return to the team, Kubat said:
“They are good leaders. Just having the Western Regional run and the Telus run and having all that leadership under their belts … I think they are pretty excited to be leaders of the team.”
As far as how the team will look on the ice next season, Kubat said it has skill and speed.
“If you look at the NHL, the new game is playing fast and having your D jump up in the play,” he said. “I think one of my big [things] is just playing fast and let the boys use their skill. We know they are going to make mistakes and to correct them that way. But to make sure they have the confidence to keep trying those plays. I think that is the best way for them to develop.”
A former Moose Jaw General, Kubat strongly believes midget AAA hockey has a lot to offer young men.
“From 15 to 17, they almost go from boys to men and blossom,” Kubat said. “It is their first time away from home. Some are three, four hours away. Hopefully, you are developing them not only as hockey players but as individuals in general.
“I think that our program here in Tisdale just puts them even more under the spotlight being that midget AAA is a big thing in Tisdale as it’s the highest level of hockey you can watch here. They have lots of opportunity to be really big role models in our community.”
Kubat File
Kubat grew up in Outlook and played Junior A for the Flin Flon Bombers. He went on to play NCAA Division III hockey at the College of St. Scholastica in Minnesota. Kubat has coached minor hockey in Hudson Bay and the North East Wolfpack bantam AA team.
Last season he asked Mann if he could join the Trojans as an assistant coach – expanding the bench to four coaches. He is grateful that Mann was willing to do so and learned from him and assistant Colin Ruether and Gary Janke.
“I know what it takes at this level,” said Kubat, an educator at Tisdale Middle and Secondary School who billeted captain Luke Arndt for two seasons.
Simpson is excited to work alongside Kubat.
“His passion for the game and commitment to developing these boys into young men is truly an asset to the program,” he said.
Simpson Scoop
Kubat is pleased to have Simpson as the team’s general manager. He emphasized that the chiropractor is very respected in the community and brings in a wealth of hockey experience.
“He’s been through the [Western Hockey League] and been through the college route,” Kubat said. “He is a very smart hockey guy.
“We are on the same page on what we want out of a player and what we want the Trojans program to represent. I think that is really big in our working relationship to both be striving for the same ultimate goal.”
Hailing from Tisdale, Simpson helped the Trojans win the 2002 Telus Cup when the team beat Sidney Crosby and the Dartmouth Subways in the finals. Simpson went on to play in the WHL for Seattle, Moose Jaw, and Prince Albert. He suited up for parts of three seasons with the University of Saskatchewan. Being a general manager is new territory for the ex-player.
“I have many years of experience on the ice; however, the off-ice side of the game is somewhat uncharted territory for me,” Simpson said. “I am excited for the challenge and know that I have a lot of learning to do. I have been away from the game for several years now and having this opportunity to re-enter the game in such a crucial role means a lot to me.”
He has great memories of his time with the Trojans.
“Some of my best friends to this day are guys I played with on this team 17 years ago,” Simpson said. “I believe this program is an important stepping stone for these young men not only in their hockey careers but in preparing them for life. The Trojans organization means so much to the town of Tisdale and is such an important and central part of the community. I am proud to once again represent myself as a Tisdale Trojan and look forward to playing a role in this organization’s bright future.”
