Benny Walchuk:
It’s time for the Yorkton Terriers Coaches Show on GX94, joined with head coach and GM Emery Olason. Emery, first off, one game for you guys on the weekend — a Friday night win over the Humble Broncos, another strong outing from Callum Craig, and a solid home effort in front of the hometown fans. And with that result, you also clinched a playoff spot. An exciting weekend all around.
Emery Olauson:
Yeah, it was a great weekend. Going into it, we weren’t happy with our defensive play in the previous game against Humble, leaving Callum to shoulder too much. Coming back from a 3-1 deficit after the first period isn’t sustainable. I told the guys, as we head into playoffs, we need to win in different ways. You’re not always going to score six goals after the 10-minute mark. Callum had to be strong at key moments, but not for entire periods, and the guys played much better in front of him.
Benny:
Clinching a playoff spot is a big achievement, but looking forward, there’s still work to do — home ice and the Divisional Crown are up next.
Emery:
Exactly. The primary goal is giving ourselves a chance — to win a championship, you have to be in the playoffs. No one starts the year aiming to be top eight in a 12-team league. It’s about the daily process, getting better. We’ve positioned ourselves in the top four conversation now, and that’s where we need to stay. Houmaouis’ advantage in the first round is significant, so that’s our next goal. Celebrate the weekend, enjoy Jeremy Roenick on Saturday, dust yourself off Sunday, and get back to work.
Benny:
Three games this week — La Ronge twice, then Nipawin. What’s the mindset going in?
Emery:
Focus on ourselves. La Rongehas struggled, but those games can be traps. Dropping points against teams not in the playoff race only increases pressure in the final five games. We have to play the right way, use our depth, and focus on our energy and preparation rather than overthinking the opponent.
Benny:
And the Sportsman Dinner on Saturday — another big success.
Emery:
Absolutely. First thanks go to the people who brought Jeremy Roenick here and to JR himself. For a guy from San Diego who had a gold medal game with USA Hockey at 7 a.m. the next morning, coming to minus-30 Yorkton shows his commitment. Benny, thanks for giving up one of your Saturday nights too. The message, the stories, the pranks — it was all fantastic. The organizing committee did an incredible job, and the supporters, sponsors, and fans made it possible. Their generosity with tickets, auctions, and donations makes a huge difference, not just financially but for the level our organization is reaching. Three years running, these events have been hugely successful and went off without a hitch. It was a great night.
