IceDogs add Hubbert to head up player development

The Niagara IceDogs have added a familiar hockey face to their player development staff.

Long time junior B coach Rob Hubbert has joined the IceDogs and was at Meridian Centre Tuesday as training camp opened.

Hubbert will focus on the IceDogs draft picks playing at the junior B or major midget levels.

“Having the junior B loop right here and some colleges over the border, we have an area scout but they generally focus on the draft,” IceDogs coach Dave Bell said.

“There is such a strong hockey presence in the area, we brought Rob on to be at games where our draft picks are playing to give us reports.”

It’s a new approach by the IceDogs.

“We’ve never had that in the past. We can give them a little love, a little feedback so they aren’t out of touch and coming to camp for year or two with no feedback from us,” Bell said. “Maybe bring them here and watch a game with them or take them on the ice.

“It’s a new element of our management staff to develop young players. Our scouts look at the draft. He’s going to look more at our drafted players.”

Hubbert, who coached the Fort Erie Meteors last season and has also worked for the Welland Junior Canadians, Port Colborne Sailors and Thorold Blackhawks, is trilled to be joining

the IceDogs.

“When they first came to the city, it was a goal to jump on board with the local guys,” he said. “These guys put a great product on the ice and I’m thrilled to be part of it. Whatever they need me to do, I’m on board.

“I’m excited. It’s my hometown. I’ve been around hockey a long time. You wait for that break. It’s a dream to be at this level and they have given me that opportunity. I worked hard for 25 years in junior B to get an opportunity and to be part of player development.”

Hubbert feels there is a need for the organization to keep an eye on prospects who don’t make the jump to the OHL right away.

“I’m going to follow them and watch them and make sure they don’t get lost,” he said. “A kid at 16 develops differently than they do at 18. We forget about them or don’t show them any love and the next thing you know, he’s 18 and a pretty good player, and he’s going across the border to play hockey. We can’t be wasting those draft picks. When you draft players, that is the key. That is the future.”

Ice chips: Local pros Jordan Nolan (Los Angeles Kings), Taylor Beck (Edmonton Oilers), Alex Friesen (St. Louis Blues) and Ben Hapur (Ottawa Senators) were working out on the ice at Meridian Centre Tuesday prior to the IceDogs opening camp .... Overage defenceman Aaron Haydon looked in phenomenal shape as he checked in .... Camp continues today at 9 a.m. and Thursday at 9:45 a.m. BPotrecz@postmedia.com

I’m excited. It’s my hometown. I’ve been around hockey a long time. You wait for that break. It’s a dream to be at this level and they have given me that opportunity …” Rob Hubbert