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Change brings inspiring efforts

Don Bodger - Cowichan News Leader
October 21, 2009

One by one, Cowichan Valley Capitals’ players grinning from ear to ear pass by their new coach on the way out of Cowichan Arena Sunday night.

“Great game’’, “well done’’, “have a good day off tomorrow’’ raves Dale Purinton to each one after the Caps had beaten the Salmon Arm SilverBacks 5-2 that followed a 4-2 win over Trail Saturday to complete a sweep of back-to-back B.C. Hockey League games at home.

Purinton took over after Scott Robinson was fired Saturday morning.

“I love this coach,’’ returning forward Anthony Perdicaro could be heard saying in the corridor. Perdicaro sat out the two games after receiving a misconduct, gross misconduct and game misconduct early in the third period of Friday’s 7-4 loss in Victoria that sealed Robinson’s fate.

“This wasn’t sort of planned way ahead,’’ said Dr. Ron Smith, president of Cowichan Valley Sports Inc. that runs the team. “We wanted Scott to be successful this year.

“After the continuous losses we suffered, it just seemed the team wasn’t responding to him. It just didn’t seem to be going the right way. It’s never a happy thing to do.’’

Smith said Robinson would be paid out until the end of the season when his contract was due to expire.

The players caught in the crossfire responded to their new coach by working hard and were rewarded with four points. They dug deep to erase a 2-0 second-period deficit against Salmon Arm with five straight goals despite playing their third game in three nights.

Captain Joey Massingham, the longest-serving member of the Capitals, has only played for Robinson during his BCHL career.

“It was definitely a shock at the beginning,’’ said Massingham. “It was a different feeling because he’s been coaching me for so long, always been around for my hockey career.

“It was difficult to understand in the beginning, but it is part of the game.’’

He added Purinton stressed the need for the players to work hard to get results.

“The new coach set the tone right away and we responded right away,’’ said Massingham.

“The whole team got the message. Every player was working hard.

“I think our team saw what working hard did for us. We got two big wins. We’re enjoying that feeling right now.’’

The fans were also quick to respond with huge ovations in appreciation of the Caps’ efforts in both games.

“I think players finally understood that losses are unacceptable,’’ said Massingham. “Things change. It hit home with some of the players.

“During the game, the young guys definitely noticed the fans were in it a lot more.’’

“It’s really about getting these guys to believe in themselves,’’ said Purinton.

“To come out with two wins is a huge start. I think I bring just a little piece.’’

Purinton was quick to credit assistants Darren Rodney and Kelly Shields and the entire team behind the scenes for the roles everyone plays.

“Our assistant coaches have a ton of experience,’’ said Purinton. “Darren’s been a head coach and Kelly I’ve played with in Victoria and against him. As a whole, coaching’s not just one guy. It’s a whole group.

“I got the label and all eyes are on you. To be a good coaching staff, it takes everyone working together and pulling on the same rope.’’

Purinton’s own playing career just ended in early 2008 so his coaching experience is limited.

“I wasn’t expecting any of it really,’’ he said. “I moved here after I retired a year ago. This is my second year out of the game.

“I went the first year trying to stay away from hockey.’’

Purinton got the call to coach the Cowichan Valley Midget AAA team and decided to give it a shot.

“I was really enjoying that,’’ he said. “Next thing you know, I got a call and I was on the Capitals’ bench. The whole weekend was almost surreal.’’

“I don’t have a lot of coaching experience. I bring so much playing experience and the team commitment.’’

Purinton said he played for many great coaches during his career and will be calling on the things he learned from the likes of John Paddock, Bryan Maxwell and Glen Sather to help him through.

Smith said he expected Purinton to better assess the team and what direction he would like to go after getting the two weekend games under his belt.

“I’m looking forward to more exciting games,’’ Smith said. “Sometimes you just really have to make changes.’’

“It’s an honour and a special place to be in,’’ said Purinton. “I’m super happy.’’

The Caps’ coaching change overshadowed the homecoming of Ladysmith’s Jim Ingram as Trail coach and former Capital Kiefer Smiley in the Smoke Eaters’ net.

Ingram was stunned by the Robinson announcement.

“It sort of took the punch out of the game,’’ said Ingram. “It kind of set me back on my heels, to be honest with you.

“I owe a lot to him. Real mixed feelings on that. But I understand how the game works.’’

CAPS’ CAPSULES: The Caps will have to do without defenceman Curtis Gedig in early November, but for a good reason. Gedig was selected to play for the Canada West team in the World Junior A Challenge at Summerside, P.E.I. from Nov. 1 to 8.