Ryan Huska: A fresh face in NHL head coaching fraternity

All joking aside, the winningest coach in Kelowna Rockets franchise history wants to be one of the reasons why the Flames are back in the NHL playoffs next spring, after missing out for the first time in three seasons under then-head skipper Darryl Sutter.

“I think you embrace it,” when asked about the possible pressure the rookie head coach will face in the NHL. “When I look at the Canadian markets, it is almost like an original six team where if you have a chance to coach or play for a Canadian team, there is something special about it.

“Preparation is another thing [when dealing with pressure]”, Huska continued. “You make sure you have done a good job to make sure you’ve done everything you can to be ready for whatever situation, whether is it a game, or an interview or whether it’s a meeting with somebody. When you are prepared, you know you have done everything that you could do.”

Whatever outside or internal stress Huska experiences moving forward, the support system at home will undoubtedly help him navigate through the highs and lows.

“I love being around my family”, Huska added, “That is your out. You get a chance to get away a little bit, spend some time with them, recharge your batteries, and get right back to work.”

Denise Huska, Ryan’s wife, is the perfect life partner. With stops in Kelowna, Adirondack, Stockton and now Calgary, Denise and country singing legend Tammy Wynette have much in common, each standing by there men.

“By far”, Huska admitted that his better half is the strongest within the family unit, which includes daughters Hanna, Olivia, and 12-year-old hockey-playing son Luke. “Because she is [strong] my kids are. If I didn’t have the support of Denise and my kids, I wouldn’t have moved on from Kelowna. I would have stayed there and if it didn’t work out with the Rockets long-term, I would have done something else, maybe stayed at RBC Investments. She has allowed me to pursue this passion that I have, and you don’t get there without her support.”

In a time of self-centeredness, and choosing me over us, Huska brings a solid home life and hockey resume to the Flames’ bench, where ego often trumps all.

When reflecting on Huska’s climb to the top of the NHL coaching pyramid, the fable of the tortoise and the hare may apply here, where slow and steady wins the race.

“I think everyone would like to see things happen sooner, in any walk of life. Everyone is wired that way,” Huska added. “You want something to happen now. With my progression, I knew I would have to make the steps along the way. Reflecting, I am glad I worked for the organizations I did. They were loyal all the way through. They allowed me to make mistakes. They gave me an opportunity to grow, and they gave me an opportunity to get better.”

It is safe to say, Huska has come a long way since being hired by Rockets’ GM Bruce Hamilton as a part-time assistant coaching in 2002.

“It all started with the Kelowna Rockets and the Hamilton family,” Huska never forgetting where his hockey coaching career began. “I was fortunate to be there for that length of time and not have to move from city to city to find myself in a hurry to get that next job. It was such a great environment to start with.”

Huska was one of four coaching candidates to be shortlisted for the Flames job, with GM Craig Conroy taken aback by the Cranbrook, BC’s attention to detail.

“I wanted to make sure after my first interview, that I left the impression that, ‘boy that guy is really prepared, and he is ready for the job’. I wanted to make sure I expressed where the team was and where the team should be going.”

When it was made official that Huska was indeed the choice as head coach, well-wishes came from every corner of North America. Among those with congratulatory words was former Kelowna Rockets head coach Dan Lambert, Huska’s assistant for three successful seasons between 2009 and 2014.

“I talk to Dan all the time”, Huska added. “When you work with someone and have success, you become tight. Our families have stayed connected. When it comes time to talk about hockey, he is one of the guys I reach out to and have those conversations.”

The Calgary Flames will be a tough team to cheer against with Huska at the helm, plus ex-Rockets forward Mikael Backlund is approaching 1,000 NHL games and Dillon Dube is getting better by the day.

“Dillon is awesome”, Huska said without hesitation. “You can tell that Dan [Lambert] did a great job with him in Kelowna when he was younger, and now he doesn’t need to take a backseat to anybody. He is a legit NHL player.”

The hiring of Huska as an NHL head coach is rare, as the league typically recycles veteran coaches. One would think this promotion will give aspiring junior coaches hope that if they put in the work, and succeed, the possibility of ascending to the National Hockey League isn’t a pipe dream.

“Hey, if people look at my situation and say, he did it why can’t I, then awesome”, Huska said humbly, “I would just tell them to stay with it, and if you believe in what you want to do, whatever walk of life, you must trust in yourself and your ability. Just do what you can to put your best foot forward, and you will give yourself the opportunity, and when it comes, you need to take advantage of it.”

As for updating his Twitter account in the near future, Huska astutely said less is more.

“I don’t know how much I am going to be on it from now on.

“It is probably something I will be staying further away from moving forward.”

by Regan Bartel

Ryan Huska: A fresh face in NHL head coaching fraternity

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