When Victoria Royals general manager Cam Hope began the search for a new head coach, he was looking for someone who ticked all the right boxes.
The candidate had to have a high degree of hockey intelligence, the ability to relate to Western Hockey League players, be motivated and have the drive and desire to eventually reach the NHL.
Dan Price, who joined the Royals’ as an assistant coach last season, fit the bill and was announced as the team’s new head coach today (June 12).
“I’m very grateful that they decided to give me this opportunity and I want to do my best,” said Price, who takes over the spot vacated by Dave Lowry, who was recently hired by the LA Kings as an assistant coach.
Price, a 42-year-old native of St. Albert, Alta., has nearly a decade of experience working in the WHL. He worked as a scout for the Regina Pats before starting his coaching career with the Chilliwack Bruins as assistant and associate coach. He also served as an assistant with the Tri-City Americans from 2012 to 2014.
“He’s a very detailed guy and he demands that of his staff and the players. That’s not dissimilar to the way Dave Lowry was,” said Hope. “We say this about a lot of guys who become head coaches for the first time in this league, that they’re probably overdue, and I don’t think there’s a more clear example than Dan Price.”
Heading into the upcoming season, Price hopes to continue the Royals’ winning tradition, playing a fast, uptempo, exciting and creative game.
Doug Bodger, who joined the Royals in the 2016-17 season as a part-time assistant coach alongside Price, moves into a full-time role starting next season, while Ryan Guenter becomes the club’s new head scout. Guenter has been a member of the Royals/Chilliwack Bruins franchise since 2009, and most recently served as the team’s senior regional scout for Alberta.
