P.E.I.’s Summerside Western Capitals’ coaches share MHL title with young children

It’s not unusual for sports activities groups to emphasize a family-oriented strategy.

The Summerside Western Capitals practised the mantra through the 2021-22 Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) season.

For Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan and assistant coach Tim Schurman, the chance to share profitable the Canadian Tire Cup with their two younger kids – Clarke McGuigan and Ruby Schurman – offered recollections that may final perpetually.

“To have my son be nine-years-old and actually have an understanding of what was occurring and to be concerned on the ice, increase the trophy, and be across the workforce fairly a bit this yr as a stick boy, filling up the water bottles and serving to out with no matter was wanted, it’s fairly particular,” mentioned McGuigan, who made positive everyone related to the Caps had the chance to elevate the Canadian Tire Cup.

This yr marked the primary time Schurman was in a position to share the teaching expertise with Ruby. A former head coach and assistant coach with the Caps, Schurman lately served as a scout for the MHL’s Fredericton Crimson Wings earlier than rejoining the workforce’s teaching employees this yr.

“It’s been enjoyable for me to see her across the workforce, and expertise some issues I used to be fortunate sufficient to be round once I was younger like totally different occasions, and we at all times had (Caps) billets once I was child,” mentioned Schurman. “It’s been very particular, and the best way everyone treats her.

“The fellows are unbelievable to her, speaking to her, giving her fist bumps and all of the employees have been incredible.”

Title

The truth is, Ruby has provide you with her personal identify for the Caps – “The Large Dudes.”

She began taking part in minor hockey this yr, and Tim says a giant a part of that’s her relationship and expertise being across the Caps.

And when the Caps gained the MHL title on dwelling ice Could 2, Clarke and Ruby had been with their fathers on the ice celebrating the franchise’s fifth MHL championship and first since 2013.

“Profitable a championship is particular in its personal proper, however every little thing I do together with her I really feel fairly particular,” mentioned Schurman. “That’s one thing I’ll bear in mind perpetually.”

“Profitable a championship is particular in its personal proper, however every little thing I do together with her I really feel fairly particular. That’s one thing I’ll bear in mind perpetually.” – Tim Schurman

Gamers

Make no mistake about it, Clarke and Ruby usually are not the one ones benefiting from the brand new relationships. Fourth-year Caps ahead Marc Richard of Clinton mentioned the gamers benefit from the interactions, and the children assist convey everybody again right down to earth and supply perspective.

“I believe it’s nice having them round, truthfully,” mentioned Richard. “It positively lights up the temper within the room.”

McGuigan credited the gamers for being so welcoming and treating Clarke and Ruby with respect. The top coach added Clarke, a hockey participant himself, idolizes the junior-aged gamers.

“It’s superior the best way they deal with (Clarke),” mentioned McGuigan. “They may idiot round with him, decide at him and he simply loves it. He’s at all times concerned, and is at all times within the room.

“Ruby is so cute and you’ll at all times hear the boys saying, ‘Ruubyyy’ when she’s within the room, or with Timmy on the rink. They each have nice relationships with the gamers. That’s what makes it particular as effectively.

“They’ve grown connected, and have bonds with gamers as a result of these younger males have handled them so effectively. It’s an important piece to the entire piece.”

McGuigan and Schurman each made some extent to reward the help and efforts of their wives, Tammy McGuigan and Ashley Schurman, through the busy hockey season.

“I do know my spouse, Tammy, is the rock in our home,” mentioned McGuigan. “With out her scheduling and understanding what our children have on and what days and pointing me in the best course, we might by no means make it work.

“In case you don’t have the help at dwelling out of your spouse and household, you wouldn’t be capable of do it.”

At dwelling, Schurman and Ruby typically tackle Ashley in hockey video games within the household’s eating room. Schurman mentioned Ruby reenacts each small element of a Caps’ recreation, together with the singing of O’Canada, veteran coach John Blanchard popping out to take care of injured gamers. Schurman mentioned Ruby often ends the matches with Jacob Stewart scoring the profitable aim.

“She completely loves these guys,” mentioned Schurman. “You’ll be able to’t actually learn a five-year-old’s thoughts, however to her, she actually feels she is a part of the workforce, which is greater than you would ever ask for.”

Jason Simmonds is a sports activities editor with the SaltWire Community in Prince Edward Island. @JpsportsJason