The new head coach of the Maroons wants to build a program in Chatham that's known for developing talent.
Brian Verbeek says he is aiming to make sure the players under his direction have a chance to further their hockey careers.
"It isn't just the next stop for them in hockey, it's the next progression for them," says Verbeek. "Hockey shouldn't end at Jr. B, it should be a starting point for where they want to go on from here."
As he coaches the players on the Maroons, Verbeek will be able to draw on a wealth of knowledge that he gained both from his own hockey career and from training other players at multiple levels.
"My private sessions rank anywhere from novice to pro," says Verbeek. "I don't want to get into any names, but one particular fella was with the Chicago Blackhawks and the other one was with the Philadelphia Flyers."
Verbeek says he was able to attend the Maroons' initial training camp, but he hasn't spoken with any of the returning players yet.
He's hoping to work with some of those players during the summer to develop their skills before the season starts.
