Over 12 weeks, we’ll get to know the coaches from across the MJHL.
Dave Anthony asked all the coaches 12 questions, and they shared their hockey history, how they got into coaching and a whole lot more.
We always get to hear their names, now let’s get to know the men behind the bench.
Tyson Ramsey – Virden Oil Capitals
DA: What’s your hockey background? Did you play?
TR: Yes, I did play. Played minor hockey in my hometown of Dominion City. Then played a year with the Pembina Valley Hawks AAA U18. Was drafted by the Winkler Flyers and spent four seasons there. Then went on to play four seasons with the Brandon University Bobcats in the CIS while finishing my education degree.
DA: How did you get into coaching?
TR: When I was done playing CIS, one of our assistant coaches asked me to help with his son’s peewee team. From there I went on to help with the AAA bantam program in Brandon and from there to the AAA U18 program in Brandon.
DA: What do you remember feeling standing on the bench as a head coach for the first time?
TR: I remember being nervous but also very excited. When you finish playing you miss the competitive atmosphere the most and I found coaching was something that replaced that for me, so it was very, very exciting to step behind the bench and help young players get better.
DA: What is your favorite or least favorite practice drill to run?
TR: I have a couple favourites but one that comes to mind is one we did while I was playing for the Bobcats called the neutral zone stretch drill.
DA: Is there a trade you’ve made or player recruitment/signing that stands out to you as being one of the best moves you’ve ever made?
TR: I don’t know if I have one that I’ve made that stands out as the absolute best move. All of the player personnel moves that we make are ones that make sense for our club at the time, or we wouldn’t make them. There are lots of things to think about when making these moves and it can get stressful, as you are dealing with human beings and at the end of the day you want what’s best for these guys at the same time doing what is right for your hockey club. Sometimes the best moves are the ones you don’t end up making.
DA: Who from your past (either playing with or being coached by) would you say had a great influence or impact on you as a coach today?
TR: I would say the biggest influence would be my dad. He played at a high level and spent a number of years coaching at various levels. He is where me and my brother acquired our passion for this game and to this day there are many discussions between the 3 of us that revolve around the game. Some of them heated haha. (My dad actually played a bit for the Steinbach Huskies)
DA: Which former player stands out as one of your favorites to coach or to have around the rink every day?
TR: There are so many. I have been very, very fortunate to have been involved with so many great players in my coaching career to this point, both male and female. In fact, some of the most gratifying moments in my coaching career have been in the female program. The girls are so much fun to coach.
I guess if I had to pick one player that stands out, it would be a defenceman by the name of Kyle Hamm. He was the first-round pick of the first peewee team I coached, and he was a great player but what stood out to me the most is how much he loved the game and what a great teammate he was.
DA: If you could coach an NHL team, which team would it be and why?
TR: The Detroit Red Wings, they have been my favourite team since I was young and would love the opportunity to work with Steve Yzerman.
DA: In a post-game interview, which question do you like answering the least?
TR: How I feel after a tough loss.
DA: Why do you like coaching for the organization you do?
TR: I just really enjoy working with the people involved in the organization here in Virden. They are very, very passionate about the game and about doing everything possible to bring a championship the community. It is a pleasure coming to the rink every day, no matter how the team is playing on the ice. The people here are tremendous and they work hard.
DA: What do you like about the town/city you coach for?
TR: Virden is a great place to live and raise your family. The community has been very welcoming to me and my family and we are very happy here. The fan base, billet group and business community is extremely supportive and they do an enormous amount to help this team thrive. They deserve a hard-working hockey club that is dedicated to the community and when this organization wins a championship it will be an amazing feeling to have this community to share it with.
DA: Who’s a current player on your team you feel deserves more attention from fans around the league? (This will be used for a future 12 Takes story).
TR: I’m going to give you 2 because I think they are very much the same in that they are great players but go about their business in a quiet manner. Jack Einarson and Brett Paddock. They have both become 2 of the best players in the league in the last couple seasons and they work very hard day in and day out. They don’t require attention or accolades, they just care very much about their team and achieving success here in Virden.
