TALES FROM THE BLUELINE
Since being appointed Blackburn Hawks’ new coach, Gary Buckman has overseen a spectacular upturn in the team’s fortunes. Here, Gary gives us his insight into the current state of play, team discipline and his aims for the Hawks in both the short and long term.

“Once it became clear that Mark Stokes (former coach) wouldn’t be returning to the Arena I was delighted to accept the challenge of coaching the Hawks. The first task was ensuring the current squad understood they were actually capable of playing hockey to a good standard. Some of the players have been together for such a long time and people can get set in their ways but by getting them to believe they can challenge the best this league has to offer we are beginning to reap the rewards.”

Gary was asked about how he was moulding the team together.

“The best coaches will tell you that encouraging players to work as a team rather than individuals is the easiest way to success so if it’s proven to work why change it? A big part of that teamwork is ensuring we stay out of the penalty box as much as possible. Of course there are times when you’ve got to take one for the team but it’s the silly ones I’m keen for them to avoid.”

With discipline a key part of Gary’s team ethos how easy had he found it to deal with what some have suggested has previously been a troubled dressing room?

“Much like any team involved in sport the Hawks’ dressing room has a mix of characters and yes, some egos. The key though is managing it in a way which is to the betterment of the team. There have been things which have needed dealing with but nothing which I’ve not been able to sort even if it’s taken a bit of Sir Alex Ferguson style ranting!  Behind the scenes we’ve now got a Management Committee in place to ensure things run smoothly which doesn’t appear to have been the case previously.”

“To be fair these players have responded to what’s been asked of them and the respect is there. By getting them to grasp that it’s never too late to learn about the game improvement follows and the results are there for everyone to see. If anyone has a problem with what’s being asked of them I’m happy to encourage constructive criticism and advice - but it must be in a way which ultimately benefits the team. By pulling in the same direction who knows what we can achieve?”

With nine wins from the last eleven matches the play-offs now seem a very real possibility. Can the Hawks keep it going to set up an exciting finale to the season?

“It’s been a fantastic run and I really hope we can make the play-offs. I think it’s possible to finish as high as fourth which would be a great achievement given the start we had. If we can carry the current momentum through to the end of the season then there’s no reason why we couldn’t be competitive in the play-offs. I know the team would be up for it but the first job is ensuring we make it and then see where we are.”

“Regardless of what happens this season it’s my aim to have us competing properly from day one next season with a view to breaking the Nottingham, Whitley and Sheffield stranglehold on the top of the league.”

With Hawks having had previous experience at a higher level of the game Gary was asked if he felt striving for the English Premier League was achievable.

“Personally I would love a crack at the EPL. If there was some way with the backing of the Arena, sponsorship and the like I truly believe this town is capable of supporting EPL. Our rink is capable of holding over 3000 people yet we currently only attract a very loyal fan base of around 400. With some of the initiatives being put in place by Gary Rogers (Operations Manager) I really hope we can build on this support and show to people that the EPL is an achievable dream. Obviously there is the question of imports but I’ve a number of ideas of cost effective ways to make this happen but firstly we need to tap into the huge potential the rink has to offer.”

“Firstly though we need the people of Blackburn to give the Hawks a chance. Some people may have drifted away for whatever reason or there may be potential fans out there who have no idea ice hockey exists in the town. It’s our job to attract these people through the doors and then entertain them when they get here.”

Home town youngsters playing for their home town club always seems to appeal to the general public. Gary spoke in glowing terms about the Junior Hawks.

“We have such a fantastic facility here that it makes sense to strive for a strong junior set-up. There’s a number of people put in a lot of work with the Juniors and it’s vitally important we encourage this and bring these youngsters through so they can be the Hawks of the future. In Canada kids as young as five are encouraged on to the ice and the more we do that here the better chance we have of creating players for the future.”

“The current Hawks have a responsibility to help with this as well. These guys are superstars in the eyes of some of the kids and the lads should embrace this as much as possible. An autograph or a photograph, helping with training or handing out and old shirt- whatever it takes.”

Finally, Gary was asked for his overall ambition for the Hawks.

“Quite simply, I want to build something of which we can all be proud of. If we can get everyone pulling in the same direction - the coaches, players, committee, Arena management, fans and anyone else with a vested interest in the team - then I really believe it’s possible to create something special. I can promise I will do everything within my power to try and make it happen.”


For further details on the Hawks please visit: www.blackburnhawks.com