Stamps' Kirkup To Coach Sherwood Prospects

(From www.mjhlhockey.ca)

The coaching staffs for this year’s MJHL All-Star Game Weekend have been finalized, Commissioner Kim Davis announced today.

Ryan Smith of Selkirk Steelers and Marlin Murray of Dauphin Kings will be on the bench for the Addison and Sher-Wood Division all-star squads, respectively January 22-23 in Winkler.

“It’s definitely an honour, but it’s also a reflection of how our team is playing,” said Smith, who is in his first year as Steelers’ head coach. “It (all-star selection) never crossed my mind until Ken Petrash (Steelers’ GM ) mentioned that we had a shot at it. I was focused on our team winning and getting points.”

Meanwhile, coaches for the Prospects Game (to be held Friday, Jan 22) will be Dwayne Kirkup of Swan Valley Stampeders (Sher-Wood Division) and Keith Cassidy of Winnipeg Saints (Addison Division).

In addition to the All-Star Game on Saturday night, fans will be able to take in the always exciting Skills Competition to be held Saturday afternoon on January 23. Fans are treated to the best MJHL players participating in skating and shooting competitions.

All-Star and Prospect coaches selections were based on where their teams sat at the midway point of the season (31 games), explained Davis. The club which was first in its respective division would send its coaching staff to the All-Star Game, while second place finishers would send their coaching staffs to the Prospects Game.

At the 28-game mark the Steelers went on a hot streak winning three games in a row, overtaking the Saints.

“It was a nice winning streak,” Smith says with a laugh. “I’m just hoping it continues. The division is very, very tight. Going to the All-Star Game will be a bonus for our staff.”

This will not be Smith’s first appearance at the MJHL all-star game. Back in the early 1990s he was a goal-scoring machine with St. James Canadians.

“All-Star Games are a great time for players from other teams to socialize and get to know each other a bit,” Smith said. “I’m definitely going to enjoy the experience.”

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I've talked to Dwayne a few times about his great start as a first year MJHL coach, and he gives a lot of credit to GM Guy Vestby and the guys on the ice, saying "It's a lot easier to succeed as Coach when you've got good people around you."

Coach of the Year????

That debate can wait until the end of the season, but I wouldn't doubt Kirkup's at the very least one of the nominees, but there are a lot of deserving candidates.