By Matthew Hargreaves
Strong sports dynasties have always been led by strong and visible leaders who took charge of their teams and provided winning strategies.
Currently, the Provo IceCats are searching for that person.
Coach Ray Bernier announced last weekend that he would be resigning from the IceCats effective immediately, citing conflicts with his personal and professional lives.
'It was very difficult to decide,' Bernier said. 'The team is a good group of guys, and it took me the better part of three or four weeks to make the decision.'
Bernier said a number of recent changes in his life led to the decision. His architecture firm recently went through a merger, which greatly increased his workload. He also was called to a new church position that will require more of his time.
'I felt like I was running more than I possibly could,' Bernier said. 'I''m the kind of person that wants to dedicate as much as I can to what I do so that I can do a superior job.
'The IceCats are a wonderful group, and this has been a wonderful opportunity. But I feel that a church calling is not something that should be turned down, and I couldn''t give up my family or my profession.'
Members of the team said they are sad to have lost their coach, but understand why he stepped down.
'We were all kind of let down at first, but we understand where he is coming from,' said sophomore defenseman Mark Ostebo, an assistant captain on the team. 'He was a great coach and a great man. But we''re not going to fold over.'
Bernier will remain affiliated with the team in an advisory capacity on the team''s board of directors.
'I''ll try to be there as a fan, sitting in the stands and cheering the team on,' Bernier said. 'But I don''t want to be a distraction to the team.'
Assistant coaches will choose a replacement coach within the week, said Timmy Chou, the director of program development for the IceCats.
For the time being, assistant coaches Ed Gantt, Patrick Perrett and Chou will be filling in behind the bench.
Bernier''s decision comes at a very untimely point for the IceCats. The team has recently started the second half of the season, and faces a three-game road trip to California later this week.
To help develop team cohesion in the defensive zone, the IceCats have recently utilized former National Hockey League player Kevan Guy to help bring in a different style of defense.
'At this level of play, you''ve got to have systems play,' Guy said. 'If you just play around, there is too much confusion and the other team can capitalize.'
Systems play refers to establishing defensive patterns that help eliminate mistakes that lead to goals.
Guy had a journeyman''s career in hockey, playing seven seasons in the NHL for the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, as well as 12 other seasons in the minor leagues as a defenseman.
'We''re so excited to have with us,' Ostebo said. 'In the few hours he spent with us, you can just tell he knows the game.'
According to Chou, Guy will not assume head coaching responsibilities at the current time. There was no word on whether Guy would take over coaching responsibilities next season.