Q and A with Tim Kehler - New Broncos Assistant Coach

The Swift Current Broncos have hired Tim Kehler as their new assistant coach.


Kehler was most recently the Head Coach and General Manager of the Trail Smoke Eaters of the BCJHL.

Here's his info off http://www.trailsmokeeaters.com/

"Tim Kehler joined the Trail Smoke Eaters on October 8th 2004, becoming the 8th Head Coach in the Clubs BCHL History.

Prior to his appointment, Tim was with the South Surrey Eagles where as an Assistant Coach he helped guide the Eagles to a Mainland Division Championship in 2003-2004 and a berth in the Coastal Conference Final.

In 2002-2003, Tim was the Head Coach and Director of Player Personnel for the North Delta Flyers in the PIJHL, having advanced through the Minor Hockey ranks in the Lower Mainland by winning the Bantam 'A' Provincial Championship in 1999-2000, and winning the PCAHA Coach of the Year Award in 2001.

Tim has also had extensive involvement in the BCAHA Hi-Performance Program. He has participated as a Group Leader at Provincial Camp in 2004, and as an Instructor since 2002. Tim was the Head Coach of Team Fraser Valley in the Best Ever U-17 Program that won the BC Cup at Cominco Arena in 2001. Having coached at both the U-16 and U-17 levels, Tim now serves as a Coach Mentor for the Program. In 2006, Tim was chosen to serve as Assistant Coach on Team Pacific for the World Under-17 Championships held in Regina. Most recently, Tim was selected as Assistant Coach of Team Canada West at the upcoming 2007 World Junior A Challenge to be held in Trail in November.

Tim has earned his Advanced II Coaching Certification from Hockey Canada, and also holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. "

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JK: The Broncos were looking for a reliable guy who could take over the team with Dean (Chynoweth) away for General Manager duties at points during the season. Tell me what kind of a coach you are, what are your strengths?

TK: I think my greatest strength is probably my communication ability and ability to relate to the players and really get the best out of each guy. My career has shown whether in a head coaching or assistant role I've been able to get the best out of the players and that's something I'm probably most proud of and the biggest asset I bring to the table.

JK: You really are a good story as to how you've progressed through the coaching ranks - the resume is quite extensive. Has this been your goal to get to the WHL level and perhaps be a head coach at some point?

TK: It certainly has, it's been an ambition for some time, ever since the end of my playing days. Certainly as the resume shows I haven't skipped too many rungs on the ladder, progressing right through minor hockey, junior "B" and junior "A" levels and now into the Western Hockey League. It's a really exciting achievement and something I can't wait to get going on.

JK: Dave Hunchak was a popular coach in Swift Current who worked extensively on video and has been a part of Hockey Canada, do you see this as big shoes to fill or just try to be your own coach?

TK: That's what made this as attractive as any other opportunity out there. I think at the developmental level you're not only preparing players for the next level and bigger roles but coaches as well. I think it's a real testament to the program (in Swift Current) that an assistant coach can develop to the level to be a head coach in the WHL. Certainly Dave did a good job, and did a great job in the SJHL before he got to Swift Current and I'm hoping for similar type progress and successes.

JK: I'm sure you're no stranger to hard work being the Head Coach and General Manager of a junior "A" hockey team (Trail). This position does demand a lot being it's only a two man crew compared to other teams in the league who have a third, maybe a fourth (coach). Are you prepared to dedicate your entire winter to this hockey club?

TK: Absolutely, I think you find out early on as a coach the hours are a lot different than what they were as a player. You need to be able to put the time in and fortunately it's something I love doing and am passionate about and it's never seemed like work. So, putting in the hours has never been a problem.

JK: Are you prepared to come into the "hockey fishbowl" that Swift Current can be? Everywhere you go people are talking Broncos hockey.... is this something you've become accustom too?

TK: I come from a big hockey tradition with the Trail Smoke Eaters organization and the town is pretty knowledgeable in the game. I think as far as high expectations, managing those expectations and dealing quite closely with a very, very passionate public I've probably had pretty good experience in that regard over the last three seasons. I love being in hockey towns where hockey is the #1 item and I think that makes it fun for the players and staff as well and I can't wait to get there.

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I have to say I'm impressed... and if first impressions count for anything he's definitely left a mark. He's great interview too, which will come in handy for the next 72 Great Western Rail Coaches Shows on the Eagle 94.1 FM.

He looks to be a hungry, young coach much like Dave Hunchak was/is when he arrived on the scene. Good hire.

Good luck to Tim as he prepares to make the move to Swifty!

Jon