The past week of hockey saw the Chase Heat play two inter-division games, win one on the road and then lose at home.
It’s a story that is repeating itself, and we will get to the recaps. But first, some observations that result in a somewhat twisted take on the day-to-day life of head coach Brad “Foxy” Fox.
First off, for those not aware, last June the head guy, after six years, finally took a couple of weeks off and went to the Maritimes to meet his main squeeze’s family. He takes his responsibilities seriously and tends to work six to seven days a week year round. Up early, and back and forth to the rink all day long, doing what it takes in a small market to put a competitive team on the ice. He walks a lot and knows to the minute how far it is between here and there throughout the village he calls home.
Fox’s phone and computer are either his best friends or worst enemies depending on who and what pops up. It rattles and hums 24/7. The assistant coach in Elbow Itch, Man. has the perfect kid for the bottom six that they are releasing. Send him C.O.D. and we will give him a go.
The manager from Salt Lick, Sask. wants the best of our best and he needs him yesterday.
Dad X and Mom Y call separately ranting about their prodigy not getting any ice time and then being cut.
The coach from Oops-Oops, halfway through a trade, stops answering his phone and the computer flash a message that the kid was sent to the Bafflegab Island, landlubbers!
The machine he toils on has at any one time, 23 operational and sometimes moving parts (young hockey players). Those parts are 16 to 20 years old and come with attachments (parents, girlfriends, outside activities, education needs) – and none of them with operating manuals. They have all been put together at different factories, some parts are newer then others but all of them come used to one degree or another.
They are somewhat interchangeable and so Foxy tinkers to find the right combination that solves the task at hand (think Rubik’s Cube). Testing (practice) is next, adjustments are made (yoga, physio, dryland), and then the product is presented to the public (game).
Dedication to his craft is what “Foxy” does so that fans, family and the community can enjoy some quality entertainment.
Ice time: So Friday the 15th the HEAT were in Sicamous. Daniel Toews in net stopped 24 of 27 shots to lead his team to a 5-3 victory. His supporting cast saw Michael Howlett and Kolten Moore both score a pair, with youngster Josh Bourne getting the 5th.
On Saturday the 16th at the Art Holding Memorial Arena, the Heat dropped a 2-1 contest to the 100 Mile House Wranglers. Zach Fournier got the lone tally and Nic Bruyere stopped 23 of 25 fired his way.
Chase remains third in the division and is guaranteed a spot in the playoffs.
Next up is a road warrior weekend versus the highly skilled Osoyoos Coyotes and the Summerland Steam.