Q and A With Chatham Maroons Head Coach Bill Bowler

With a two week gap in their schedule, Chatham Maroons head coach Bill Bowler took a few minutes to talk hockey with CKSN.ca. Bowler discussed the season’s start, where he hopes the Chatham Maroons are headed, players on their roster, the GOJHL, and his own experiences this season. Read the full Q and A below:

CKSN: Can you tell us a little about how you feel the season has gone thus far?

Bill Bowler: I think the team’s doing fairly well considering the lineup we’re icing everyday. There is no arguing the games leading up to Christmas weren’t what we were looking for. We’re definitely looking to turn it around after the New Year. We will look to compete every game in the second half of the season.

CKSN: Speaking of the second half of the season, what are you looking for from your team in the final dozen or so games?

Bill Bowler: More consistency. Now everyone knows what to expect in the league, as opposed to the beginning of the year with so much change. We didn’t have much continuity in the lineup, it was different players playing with different people every night, and we were a new coaching staff for the team as well. It makes it hard to get the results you want with that much change in the
lineup. For us being a younger team, that change has a bigger effect as well. So we’re looking for more consistency and to continue improving every game.

CKSN: Can you just say a little about Sean Myers? He is the Maroons leading scorer and team captain, what does he bring to the team?

Bill Bowler: Sean’s a very talented hockey player. Our goal and Sean’s goal, is to become better hockey club. I’m sure he’d rather have less points in exchange for more wins. That’s the kind of character he brings to the rink. He’s a great performaer and has been a valuable leader for our club.

CKSN: You’ve gone back and forth between goaltenders this season. Hunter Johnson seems to be coming on strong lately. Do you expect there to be a goaltending battle down the stretch?

Bill Bowler: We hope there is a battle at every position, including goalie. You always hope someone takes the net and performs, and they never leave the net. There is no questions we need an upgrade in every position, less goals allowed and to produce more offensively. The battle Connor (MacKinnon) and Hunter (Johnson) have been having all year, it’s a competitive and healthy battle that you want.

CKSN: You have two 16-year-olds that have been with the team all year, Sam Studnicka and Ian Faubert, how do you think they’ve adapted to the league?

Bill Bowler: Pretty well. Statistically it might not show it, but I think in the New Year they’ll be two different hockey players,. They are both talented players and good kids, and will continue to develop this year and next. Sam might not be here next year as he is a Windsor Spitfires draft pick. In Ian, we expect big things in the New Year, and in the seasons to come.

CKSN: Today you’re sitting in the 8th and final playoff spot, are you comfortable entering the postseason as the last seed?

Bill Bowler: We just want to get better as a group. Where we fall in the playoff rankings isn’t something we control. With the parity in the league who knows where each team will end up. We’re confident the work we have put in will start to see results. Our goal right now is to just keep getting better.

CKSN: Personally, how are you adapting to coaching Junior B in comparison to minor hockey? Are there any challenges?

Bill Bowler: Dealing with Junior B players is a lot different and has different demands. A lot of our players are coming in from Windsor, which puts a different aspect on running practice, team chemistry and bonding. We are working on this, and adapting as a team and coaching staff.