The Olds Grizzlys have added Pat Seeley to their coaching staff.
Seeley, an Olds resident, fills in when other assistant coaches cannot make it to games. He helps run a skill development practice each week, with a large emphasis on skating.
"It's important for forwards and defence. The game of hockey is so quick now. Everything happens so fast … your speed and agility within that 30 to 50 foot range is so important now, so critical. It's great for Dana, to have these kids do this once per week," he said.
"If we can stay injury-free … the problem this year has been injuries and keeping our No. 1 guys playing every game. Looks like everybody's coming back."
His playing career took place in the 1980s, spending time in the BCHL and WHL. He also played at the college level, in Europe, and had a brief stint with the national team, which included some names such as Kris Draper and Drake Berehowsky.
"It was fantastic. It was the best experience of my life. I wished I could've stuck around," he said.
Five Seeley children play, or have played, minor hockey in Olds so chances are, you've seen either him or his wife Shilyn around at the Sportsplex.
Ronan is currently playing bantam AAA in Red Deer. Grace is in her first year of midget, Eliana, first year peewee and Ryan, first year atom. Finally, Katie is starting out with the tykes.
"My wife is very, very organized. We joke about the Grizzlys being our sixth kid now," Seeley said.
