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Coaches report: Minot men’s hockey HC Wyatt Waselenchuk

It has been a busy offseason for the Minot State Beavers men’s hockey program to say the least.

After taking over for former Beavers head coach Wade Regier at the conclusion of the 2020-21 season, new head man Wyatt Waselenchuk looks to retool an MSU roster who made a run all the way to last season’s American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 1 championship game.

Thus far, Minot State has announced a total of eight new commits on its men’s hockey Twitter feed. The Minot Daily News reached out to coach Waselenchuk for his thoughts on a busy offseason and what he expects out of the incoming freshman class. Here is what Waselenchuk had to say via email.

MDN: With six players forwards, a defenseman and goalie added to the fold, describe the overall makeup of your recruiting class so far.

Waselenchuk: We have added some key pieces to our line up over the course of the past six weeks or so, and have a couple more in the works. My vision, first and foremost, was to add some depth to our overall lineup.

We have run into injury problems in the past couple of seasons, which is something you have to prepare for during a long year. We plan on being right around 27-28 players, once it’s all said and done.

MDN: What type of impact do you envision for this freshman crop in the coming season?

Waselenchuk: I expect the incoming freshman class to really push the pace and inject some speed and intensity into our lineup. These are players with impressive resumes. I know that adding some of these big pieces will add much-needed depth, and competition amongst all returning players.

MDN: As July winds down, what are some of the other team needs you are still looking to address this offseason?

Waselenchuk: We are just about set in terms of needs. We returned seven defenseman and added Payton Jerome, who will make a push to play minutes. We recently announced the commitment of forward Reid Arnold, of the Humboldt Broncos – which we are really excited about as well, and have our eyes set on potentially one more forward to bring into the mix.

MDN: What has been the biggest challenge so far for you in this new role as head coach of the Beavers?

Waselenchuk: I wouldn’t call them challenges by any means, but just learning the process of all facets from an organizational standpoint. The budgeting, the marketing – now the fact that we are under the MSU athletic umbrella, and following the proper channels – so that our transition is as smooth as possible. Andy Carter has been a big help, and is so supportive of our program and the vision we have for it moving forward.

I also have to give some credit to our women’s coach, Ryan Miner. I have leaned on him for some help over the past couple of months, and he has steered me in the right direction many times, with some things that are new to me.

MDN: How do you plan to put your stamp on this program as the new season approaches?

Waselenchuk: It is a season of change, there is no doubt about that. I am taking over a program that is a perennial top-five team in the country. Those are big shoes to fill.

The ground work that was laid prior to me, is something I will never take for granted. I am so thankful for those before me, that lead the way. That being said, I am excited to put my stamp on the program and it begins with accountability. Whether that’s in the offseason and keeping up with our workouts, or when guys are back and in class, staying on top of assignments and maintaining good grades, or on the ice during practice. I am a firm believer that you prepare each and every day with a strong mindset.

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