Nystrom embraces new challenge
NEW PRONGHORN MEN’S HOCKEY COACH EAGER TO GET THINGS STARTED
Murray Nystrom is the new man on campus and behind the bench. He’s also the new guy in town, having arrived in Lethbridge on Friday to take over as the 10th head coach of the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men’s hockey team.
On Tuesday afternoon at the 1st Choice Savings Centre, the newest Horns bench boss who takes over for Spiros Anastas was officially introduced at a press conference as Nystrom reflected on a hectic past few days of travel, meeting his new team and the exciting year that lies ahead as the Pronghorns get ready to host the 2018-19 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship, University Cup.
“I’m really excited to be here,” said Nystrom. “I just got into town on Friday and the people that I’ve met today have been fantastic and very welcoming. Getting started with the players and the team in the last day or so has been very exciting. I think they’re chomping at the bit to get going. We met on Sunday night and had our first practice Monday afternoon.
“I think with a couple of games at home this week we’ll be able to make some progress as a group. Obviously, we’re learning about each other on a daily basis, but I really liked what I saw. I really like the energy that the players bring and I think we can utilize that to move forward and get better week by week.”
Nystrom spent 18 years as the head coach of the Brock Badgers in the OUA, leading the team to the program’s first University Cup appearance in 2008.
In his 18 years, the 2008 CIS Coach of the Year posted a record of 191-227-18-39, making 14 appearances in the OUA playoffs.
He was also named the OUA Coach of the Year twice during his time at Brock in 2004 and 2008.
Prior to joining the Badgers, Nystrom was an assistant coach in the Ontario Hockey League with the London Knights and Sudbury Wolves, serving as interim head coach with the Knights during the 1995-96 season.
“I’m familiar with Canadian university hockey,” said Nystrom. “Canada West is an outstanding conference. There are no easy games at all and that probably was a big factor in me looking into it. It’s an exciting time for the University of Lethbridge and the hockey program as well. We have a big year ahead of us and I’m just looking forward to helping our players move forward and have a really successful year.”
The big date circled on the Pronghorns calendar this season is nationals March 1417 at the Enmax Centre.
The Pronghorns won the University Cup in 1993-94.
However, Nystrom said the event wasn’t a deciding factor in his coming west.
“In fact, I had to circle back to remember that we were hosting. I just think it’s a great opportunity. What’s impressive to me about that is the university itself and the community has stepped forward to host that event and to put the city and the university on a national map with hosting such a high-end event.
“That impressed me and that sends a message to me that the university wants to take the hockey program to another level and sports in general to another level. I’m sure the city and the area is going to rally behind the event. I think that says a lot about a community.”
Nystrom takes over for Anastas, who resigned in August to take a head coaching and director of hockey operations position with the South Carolina Stingrays of the East Coast Hockey League.
The new head coach said he hadn’t spoken with the former before coming to Lethbridge.
“I will say just being on the ice once with the guys and what I’ve heard about the different players, I have to give credit to Spiros for bringing in some quality people and quality players,” said Nystrom.
“He’s done a good job and put some foundational things in place that we can build upon. For sure, he did a really good job and left an excellent group here that I’m excited to work with.”
The process starts with a pair of exhibition games against the Red Deer College Kings Friday night at 7 p.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday at Nicholas Sheran Arena.
“I love the new game of speed and skill, but one thing I did say was I’m not going to put square pegs in round holes,” said Nystrom. “I want to take this week and get a read on our team and our strengths and then build around that. Every team has its own little nuances and strengths and weaknesses and once we get a handle on that, I think that will dictate and allow us as coaches to massage the style of play.
“The Canada West is a tough conference. It’s fast and it’s hard and we are going to have to compete. Everything in the game, I think, starts with that. This group, from what I’ve seen and heard, is very good at that. So it’s a good starting point.”