Varsity Hockey Coach Gannon Talks About His Team’s Struggles and Goals for the Rest of the Season

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Credit to Jordan Milewczik

Varsity hockey coach Ryan Gannon talks to his team during a stoppage of play on 11/10 vs. Fort Zumwalt South.

By Fabian Schwuchow

Q: So far, it’s been a bit of a rough season for the team. What’s your opinion on how this season has gone?

A: In battling some major injuries throughout this season across all positions of our lineup, we have struggled putting forward a complete game at the level we were hoping for. Our team wasn’t dealt an easy hand, but we have been making the most of it in continuing to remain competitive and by having fun.

Q: What game is your team looking forward to the most in the remainder of the season?

A: Playoffs are quickly approaching and we are looking forward to a clean slate entering them.

Q: Compared to past seasons, would you say that your team is working better?

A: In the prior two seasons that I have coached, I would say that I am happy with the way we have continued to battle throughout the season as a team.

Q: What is something that you tell your team after a game?

A: This really depends on the game, but usually that I am happy with the amount of respect we had as a hockey player and men/women.

Q: Do you believe that if more people would join the hockey team the team would work better and get more wins this season?

A: I would definitely like to see more people try getting into the sport of hockey, but it isn’t necessarily something you can learn in a day. We can only carry a certain amount of people on our roster, but the more internal competition we have the greater our team could become.

Q: Who are some of the players that you always try to have out on the rink? Why are they so important to your team?

A: With the injuries we have had throughout the year, every player has had to take on a bigger role and receive more ice time than originally planned at the beginning of the season.

Q: How are you, as coach, integrating the people who are joining the team, for example Freshman?

A: I believe having a junior program that we currently have allows players to truly grow inside of our organization from 7th grade to a Senior. We are very inclusive as a team and we strive to focus on the team and not as individuals.  

Q: What made you decide to start coaching in the first position?

A: I have played hockey since I can remember and am a proud FHN alumni who wanted to give back to the sport and former program.

Q: Where do you hope your team will be at the end of the season?

A: I would definitely like to see us go deep into the playoffs and hopefully get some players back in good health beforehand.