YORKTON - Only days after arriving in Yorkton Emery Olauson the new head coach and general manager was busy evaluating talent as the team held its annual fall camp.
“For this weekend it was a lot of help from the evaluators,” said Olauson, who admitted he was still having to refer to a clipboard to identify players.
Olauson said he had seen veteran Terrier players in video, “but with prospects I was completely unfamiliar.”
As a result of the need to really get to know what talent he has to work with Olauson said he has purposely kept more players in the city heading to the SJHL preseason.
“A lot of guys impressed me,” he said, but added he wants to fully evaluate talent, including younger guys ultimately likely headed back to younger programs.
“I inherited a player list I didn’t know, so there’s a lot more bodies around Yorkton for a while longer than might be usual,” he said, adding “it’s best we take our time and get to know each other (players and coach).”
It’s a case where players need to build trust in their new coach so they know if they work hard they will be given “a chance to be successful,” said Olauson.
In a previous interview with Yorkton This Week when asked what sort of team Olauson would look to build, he replied, “I believe in a possession team,” he said. “. . . I believe if a team possesses the puck in the offensive zone, or neutral zone, you’re playing good defence.”
To achieve possession Olauson said he wanted players to move the puck well.
“I want to possess the puck and play at a really high pace,” said Olauson.
So did he see the type of players in camp to build his possession team?
“Just about everyone wants the freedom to get up in the play and be more offensive,” he said, adding he saw elements that can fit his vision given some time and guidance.
“They’re going to make mistakes at the start of the season. They’re expected and allowed. They’re not going to get better without them (mistakes),” said Olauson.
The new coach does think the mindset of the Terrier veterans is a good one to build on.
“It’s a bunch of guys not satisfied with missing the playoffs (last season) . . . They’re a hungry bunch,” said Olauson.
