AS a long-time NHLer, Bill Houlder knew what it took to stick around.
Competing in nearly 850 NHL contests, the Thunder Bay product would eventually make the jump to the big leagues following three solid campaigns with the then North Bay Centennials of the Ontario Hockey League that helped him get selected in the fourth round, 82nd overall, by the Washington Capitals in the 1985 NHL Draft.
Having gone full circle, Houlder is back in the OHL, now serving as an assistant coach with the North Bay Battalion.
In Part II of his Q&A, the former defenceman offers insight in his time, past and present in the major junior ranks.
NET SHOTS: How are you enjoying coaching in the OHL?
BILL HOULDER: It has been a very positive experience for me.
I was a volunteer coach for three years. In that capacity I would go on the ice for practice, work with the defence and watch the home games from the stands, but not go on the road with them for games.
Now it is a full-time roll with the team, home and away.
I read a book where a general manager told a coach that he could dislike the player, but not to dislike the person.
Innately a player will want to do what a coach asks of him. The catch is that sometimes the player lacks the ability to do what the coach asks of him. He is not doing it to spite the coach. He just does not have the ability to do it. I try to remember that when I sometimes get frustrated as a coach. I can dislike him as a player but I cannot dislike him as a person because he cannot perform something.
It is really rewarding when we are teaching concepts to players and you can see it in game play. At the same time, you can almost see the light bulb go on for the player that he now understands the concept and it makes sense to him. The game changed for me when I started understanding it.
It is a job of highs and lows but so far, I am enjoying it and looking forward to the challenge of the new season.
NS: How has play in the OHL changed since you played in it?
BH: Some things have changed and much remains the same.
These guys are so much faster than when I played. I am surprised that there are not more injuries because of the speed these guys move at.
We had fast players when I played, but all of these guys now can skate. They are also more skilled. All these guys shoot the puck hard and can handle the puck. I suppose over time that it will continue to get faster and more skilled, but I find that hard to believe, with how fast and skilled these guys are now.
The physical part of the game is not as prevalent as it used to be. This is great for the skill players as it allows them to showcase their skill without fear of getting hurt. As the league continues to make player safety important, I would imagine that the game will continue to become more skilled. I think the downside of that is that players now don’t expect to be hit so they are not protecting themselves as they carry the puck or pass the puck.
I also think intimidation has, for the most part left the OHL, which again, I think allows the skill of these players be showcased for the fans.
In the ‘80s there would be some teams and arenas that you would go into that you may not get beat on the scoreboard, but it was almost for sure you would get physically punished. Now the only concern is getting beat on the scoreboard.
Nowadays, the players are really treated well. I don’t think we were treated poorly; I think it is just a different era. The meals are prepared before our trips at the rink, equipment is top grade, our dressing room and weight room would mirror an NHL room.
It is first class and the players have everything available for them to be successful.
Next week Part III with Bill Houlder.