The Yorkton Terriers want to build on their successful 2018/19 season, and to do that they have decided to keep things consistent behind the bench. The team has signed a two year contract extension with Head Coach and General Manager Mat Hehr, with a possibility for an extension to a third year.
Hehr describes the previous season as a building year, but now they’re excited about what they can do in 2019 and beyond. Nine players are graduating this year – eight due to age, one due to an NCAA scholarship, but Hehr said the team has a solid core of players who are returning, about 14 players 18 and under, and he said they’re great players and a great core to build on.
“I’m exciting to get that momentum and continue to build off of it.”
There is still more to do in the city for the next season.
“I think that playoff run left everyone pretty hungry. All of the players are excited, the fans were excellent, it was arguably the loudest building... So it was a very exciting playoff run and I’m happy to be able to be here for the next 2-3 years to continue that.”
The decision to stay in Yorkton was an easy one for Hehr, and he said it’s his priority to stay in the city and with the Terriers.
“This was my #1 choice. We’ve been talking back and forth for the last couple of months. They indicated they wanted me back and I said staying in Yorkton is my #1 priority. I’m pretty loyal to the Yorkton Terriers, they gave me my first shot. I wasn’t planning on going anywhere, as long as they’ll have me I’ll be here.”
Alan Sharp, President of the Terriers, said that they knew they wanted Hehr behind the bench after the last season.
“Mat picked up a team that was struggling and he certainly turned the fortunes around. The work that he did, and the work that the players and all of that did, it was certainly an exciting season.”
With the announcement the Terriers now have stability behind the bench, and Sharp and the Terriers organization is excited to see what they can build together.
“Stability is key in junior hockey and in many other organizations. Mat has had a full year as coach and general manager under his belt, and this will help solidify the organization and the club, we look forward to the work that Mat can do with them.”
Sharp and the board would like to thank the fans, sponsors and the community for the support of the team. He also encourages people to buy a lottery ticket for the Terriers Lotto, running now.
“It has been fantastic.”
