There will be a new, but, familiar face on the Neepawa Natives bench this season.
Robby Moar was named the team's new Marketing Director & Assistant Coach earlier this month.
He played 39 games in the 2011-12 season with Neepawa and the following two seasons with the team.
"It's definitely an exciting opportunity for me to be heading there," said Moar. "I've made a lot of friends there, and some lifelong memories, so it's an exciting thing. But, at the end of the day, I'm here to help the team get better, and help the development of the players."
Before signing on with the Natives organization, Moar played four full seasons with the Minot State Beavers, who play in the ACHA. During his time with the Beavers, he played 127 games and recorded 54 points.
"I couldn't say a bad thing about my time in Minot," said Moar. "I learned how to be a leader during my time there. I found out things that usually someone wouldn't, so I definitely really enjoyed my time there."
Despite being a so-called "Rookie" coach, Moar has big plans and is committed to giving everything he has back to the organization where he played junior hockey.
"They can expect a person who will be there for them every single day," said Moar. "I'm a good leader. I'm looking forward to being part of the team and showing the guys not only how to succeed on the ice, but as a person off the ice as well."
The Natives are coming off a season in which they missed the playoffs, due to some struggles in the second half, but Robby is expecting a flip of the switch next campaign.
"I'm expecting a team that's going to go out there and have a great work ethic each and every shift," said Moar. "It's a long season, so it's all about building. I'm thinking we'll be successful by the season's end, and hopefully, we can make a deep playoff run."
Moar also played seven games combined between Portage and Swan Valley in the MJHL.
