Benny Walchuk:
Emery, you wrapped up the preseason with a split against the Melville Millionaires over the weekend. Talk about those last couple of games—what did you see?
Emery Olauson:
It was a bit of what we saw in the playoffs—some inconsistency. In the first game, our second period wasn’t very good, but our first and third were solid. We had a gritty effort, scored on the power play, and found a way to finish. In the home game, I thought it could have gone either way. We haven’t worked much on three-on-three yet, and it showed in overtime. But overall, those were two evenly matched teams, and I think fans in the Parkland region should be excited for both clubs this season.
Benny Walchuk:
Looking back at the preseason as a whole, were you pleased with what you saw from your group?
Emery Olauson:
Yes and no. We played five games and didn’t lose in regulation, but there are definitely areas in each game that need cleaning up. That’s expected this time of year, but we still want to see more consistent 60-minute efforts. When you’re trying out for a team, that has to be the standard. Honestly, the only game where I thought we played a full 60 was in Dauphin.
Benny Walchuk:
This week you prep for the season opener. What’s the biggest key for your group heading into the weekend?
Emery Olauson:
Our main focus is setting the standard for work ethic. We want to make sure we’re working our opponents for the full 60 minutes. That means focus in the dressing room, keeping our foot on the gas when we get a lead, and building up conditioning and pace. Structure is important, but outworking the other team has to be our identity.
Benny Walchuk:
You open against the Weyburn Red Wings. I know it’s still early, but what do you expect from them?
Emery Olauson:
They’re built differently than Melville. From my two years coaching against them, Weyburn likes to play a wide-open style. They counter well, their power play is strong, and they’re quick in transition. That makes for exciting hockey, but it’s also frustrating with how many chances you can give up if you’re not sharp. Cody’s teams are always dangerous in the neutral zone, so we’ll need to be ready to manage the puck and limit those opportunities.
Benny Walchuk:
That’s Yorkton Terriers head coach and GM Emery Olauson. I’m Benny Walchuk, and this has been the Terriers Coaches Show on GX94
