Dauphin's Devin Himpe has been on a journey that will now see him being a part of leading our country in Russia. The now 30-year-old will be an Assistant Coach for Team Canada as they take part in the World University Games that start up next week in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Devin will join the 22 members of the team and the rest of the coaching staff as they begin their trip to Krasnoyarsk today. Himpe is also joined by Mike Sirant who coaches with him at the University of Manitoba.
"It's going to be amazing. It's a complete honour to get the chance to represent Manitoba and Canada," said Himpe. "I don't think there's a little boy or girl that doesn't dream of playing hockey at the international level."
"It's a really big accomplishment for myself to get this chance," added Himpe. "It's almost like the Olympics in the aspect that there are so many different events going on and people are coming from all over the world. Everything about it is going to be amazing, not just the hockey part. I can't wait."
Devin played with the Parkland Rangers from 2004-06 before joining the Kings' for a brief stint in the 2006-07 season. After that, he moved to Winnipeg to continue his education at the University of Manitoba where he played for the Fort Garry Twins of the MMJHL from 2007-10. Since 2015, Himpe has been an Assistant Coach for the University of Manitoba Bisons.
"Mike has a ton of experience and I've been fortunate to work with him for the past few years," added Himpe. "He was pushing for me to get this position and when I was offered it, I certainly happily accepted."
Himpe and the rest of the team are joined by Great Britain, Latvia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Kazakhstan in their pool. The team's first game is on March 2 against Great Britain.
In the other pool are Hungary, Japan, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and the always powerful Russia and United States squads.
"I'm definitely going to be a little nervous going in. This is the stage that everyone is trying to get to," said Himpe. "Travelling to a new country is also going to be a new experience and will sort of keep me on edge. We have things so great here in Canada so I'm definitely preparing myself for a culture shock."
"I just want to try and soak everything in, there will be so much going on throughout the couple of weeks," he added.
When the puck drops at the event, 11 other teams will be battling for a gold medal. Only one team will achieve that goal of winning it, so will it be Canada?
"Whenever you go to these types of tournaments on the International stage, the expectation is always winning that gold for Canada," said Himpe. "I don't think we expect anything less than that."
Devin's Story:
Why did you start coaching at a high level? I just wanted to stay in the game. Playing was always the goal but I don't think I had the drive when I was younger and maybe I missed out on some opportunities.
Is it your goal to make the NHL? I think that's everyone's goal if you love the game. I think heading to Russia is definitely a solid resume builder and it will allow me to learn so much more from so many people.
