When Victoria Royals general manager Cam Hope began the search for a new head coach, he was looking for someone who ticked all the right boxes.
The candidate had to have a high degree of hockey intelligence, the ability to relate to Western Hockey League players, be motivated and have the drive and desire to eventually reach the NHL.
Dan Price, who joined the RoyalsB次元官网网址� as an assistant coach last season, fit the bill and was announced as the teamB次元官网网址檚 new head coach today (June 12).
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 very grateful that they decided to give me this opportunity and I want to do my best,B次元官网网址� said Price, who takes over the spot vacated by Dave Lowry, who was recently hired by the LA Kings as an assistant coach.
Price, a 42-year-old native of St. Albert, Alta., has nearly a decade of experience working in the WHL. He worked as a scout for the Regina Pats before starting his coaching career with the Chilliwack Bruins as assistant and associate coach. He also served as an assistant with the Tri-City Americans from 2012 to 2014.
B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 a very detailed guy and he demands that of his staff and the players. ThatB次元官网网址檚 not dissimilar to the way Dave Lowry was,B次元官网网址� said Hope. B次元官网网址淲e say this about a lot of guys who become head coaches for the first time in this league, that theyB次元官网网址檙e probably overdue, and I donB次元官网网址檛 think thereB次元官网网址檚 a more clear example than Dan Price.B次元官网网址�
Heading into the upcoming season, Price hopes to continue the RoyalsB次元官网网址� winning tradition, playing a fast, uptempo, exciting and creative game.
Doug Bodger, who joined the Royals in the 2016-17 season as a part-time assistant coach alongside Price, moves into a full-time role starting next season, while Ryan Guenter becomes the clubB次元官网网址檚 new head scout. Guenter has been a member of the Royals/Chilliwack Bruins franchise since 2009, and most recently served as the teamB次元官网网址檚 senior regional scout for Alberta.
