Williamson confident moving forward
When Marty Williamson took over as head coach of the Brock Badgers men’s hockey team, one of his biggest goals was to build a program where the team would be in contention for a championship every season.
After three years on the job, Williamson is satisfied he has been able to accomplish that objective.
“I remember taking to Neil (former athletic director Neil Lumsden) and we’re both pretty competitive guys and that’s kind of what we said,” Williamson said. “We know how tough it is to win and how everything has to line up for you.
“We want to be one of those teams that’s considered to have a chance every year and I think we’ve met those goals.”
The Badgers completed a .500 season at 16-16 and made it to the playoff semifinals before being eliminated by the Guelph Gryphons. In the last three seasons, the Badgers have made it to the finals once and semifinals twice.
“It was a pretty good season, a little inconsistent at times, but we played very well in games and showed we can play with anybody,” Williamson said. “Obviously, beating Windsor in the first round was good. Losing (Tyler) Rollo and (Justin) Brack in the first game versus Guelph really set us back.
“I thought the guys played with a lot of courage. Guelph went on to win. We lost to the best team but we were right there with them I thought.”
Williamson is excited for the future.
“I think the program is heading in a great direction,” he said. “Obviously, getting the new facility on campus is exciting for us. I can’t say enough about the university and how they have supported myself and the program.
“We went from a team that was pretty inconsistent being competitive for 10 years to a team that every year is considered dangerous.”
The Badgers return the core of their team for next season, losing only defencemen Dexter Weber, Ethan Spaxman and Skylar Pacheco and forward Cosimo Fontana.
“We’ve got guys like who can step in and replace them and be those key guys for us going forward,” Williamson said. “We’re going to have to go out and recruit a couple this year but we like our core of defencemen.”
Williamson said he is becoming more comfortable in the recruiting process.
“I think the background in the OHL and being established for three years in USport does give me some credibility to talk to the guys,” he said. “I know the league and understand the school part of it. I can sell them on both aspects.
“It’s still a challenge. There is such a cross section of players. There are OHL players who are doing really well but there are Ontario Junior and junior B kids who are also doing really well. You need to find that character guy who wants to continue his hockey and has the passion. We want guys who want to pursue careers and want to get a great education.”
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, as well as on the top of the stories, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
