Neepawa Natives hire new coach

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Published on Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Former assistant coach Dustin Howden has been hired as Neepawa's new head coach 

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Press/Neepawa Banner

A familiar name to many fans of the Neepawa Natives is taking over as the team’s new bench boss. The Junior ‘A’ club confirmed on Tuesday, Apr. 12 that Dustin Howden will be the team’s new head coach for the 2016-2017 Manitoba Junior Hockey League season.  Howden, who has served as an assistant coach for the past two season, has signed a three year deal with the organization.

In a press release, Neepawa general manager Myles Cathcart noted that the team is excited to have Howden step up into the head coaching position. 

“[Howden] believes in the development of players to the next level, which is important to our organization.  He is a very good hockey mind and will challenge the players to be the best they can be each and every time they step onto the ice,” said Cathcart. “He also has strong community ties, a passion for the game and exerts lots of energy for the greater success of the organization.  He has been very good for the organization for the past two years and it is an opportunity for him to run the bench as the head coach.”  

In a media statement released by the hockey club earlier Tuesday, Howden said he embraces the challenges of moving into the head coaching position and relishes the opportunity.  

“This is a great opportunity for me. The game of hockey and coaching has always been a passion.  The Neepawa Natives have always been a team that friends and family have played for over the years.  It is a storied franchise with a cultural identity that has seen a lot of great hockey players wear the jersey during the team’s history.  It is time for the next chapter to begin,” said Howden.

As for who will step into the role of assistant coach for the upcoming MJHL season, the Neepawa Natives are still reviewing a list of worthy applicants. No timeline for a decision has been released.