Features > Coach Spotlight- Chris Hartly
Coach Spotlight- Chris Hartly
by Chris Bilder, Generals Staff Writer
Eugene, OR- The Generals will be headed by a new head coach this season. After the passing of Coach Freeland, former assistant coach Chris Hartly was promoted to the head coaching positon. I recently sat down with Coach Hartly as he gave his insights on the team and the upcoming season.
CB: What are your feelings about being the head coach?
CH: I’m excited to be in this position, and I feel I’m ready for the challenge. I have a good rapport with the guys and I feel that they have confidence in me, which is huge.
CB: How do you feel about the product you are putting out on the ice this year?
CH: I am pleased with what I have to work with. From the top to the bottom of the roster I feel like we have the talent and work ethic to make us successful in the league this year.
CB: What are your expectations for the season?
CH: I expect us to go just as far as we did last year.
CB: What is the most exciting part of the job for you?
CH: Getting to work with the players every day. Its great watching them improve and learn and just get better.
CB: What is the toughest part of coaching for you?
CH: Just finding the right chemistry with the guys. The best players don’t always work the best together. You have to find the right combinations of players who will be the best together on the ice.
CB: What style of coach do you consider yourself?
CH: I don’t really have a specific style. I try to adapt to every situation. I go in with a game plan, but if its not working I’ll switch it up. You can be successful at this level when you stick to a specific game plan, but you have a greater chance of success when you can adapt to your surroundings.
CB: What was your favorite moment last season?
CH: We had a really tough time with Puget Sound in the regular season. It was a great feeling to beat them on the road in game 3 of the first round of the playoffs.
CB: Do you think the team will be as successful this season?
CH: Yes.
CB: If you could accomplish one thing this year what would it be?
CH: Win the league.
CB: Where would you like the team to be six months from now?
CH: First place obviously. I’d like to be in a position where we are in the playoffs so we could prepare for that rather than fighting for a position to get into the playoffs.
CB: What goals do you have for the team this season?
CH: I want to develop everyone, so that I can send any one of the 25 guys out there on any given night and not have to worry about it.