Mintos hire Bourdon as new General Manager

“I think the team right now is in a pretty good spot. We have some good returning players that are going to be giving some good leadership qualities to the team and have that experience from last year, and then we’ve got a good mix of new players coming in as well.”

That isn’t to say that next year’s roster is already set. Even with five new players signed at the end of April, Bourdon wants to make sure that the people they are bringing to this year’s Mintos have just as strong of quality off the ice as they do on the ice.

“For myself, I think the biggest thing for me is I believe that good teams win in the dressing room first. Building a good team culture for the players and the staff that surrounds them, is surrounded by good leadership, good self-discipline for the players, respect, accountability, and responsibility both on and off the ice, as well as academically in school.”

Bourdon was current Raider Connor Howe’s coach when he was playing with the U15 AA Prince Albert Pirates, and Bourdon used what he saw with Howe as an example of what he’s looking for with the Mintos.

“He was a treat to coach and he’s just kind of an aspiration for a lot of these other players to look up to and to see that someone of his caliber from a local guy that can make the jump to the next level.”

Bourdon replaces Dennis Pott, who was named General Manager almost exactly one year ago. The rest of the coaching staff lead by Dion Antisin will include the returning Chase Freidt-Mohr, and the new additions of Jeff Willoughby and Colten Smith, the brother of former Mintos head coach Doan Smith.

With a young coaching staff and a team ready to make a jump this year, Bourdon is excited to get to work.

“I’m very excited. It’s always good to be around the rink. I know we’re looking forward to summertime here, but I grew up in a family of hockey players, so your mind is always for September and getting ready to get back onto the ice. I sincerely wish that all the players have a really great summer and enjoy it with their families, but at the same time, there’s a lot of planning that needs to go into what’s happening here during the summer for the team to be successful and so that we could just put a good product on the ice as soon as September hits.”

The Mintos fall camp is scheduled to take place between August 21 and 23. Exact dates and times will be announced closer to the start of camp.

by Nick Nielsen

Mintos hire Bourdon as new General Manager

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