Edina Lakers

The Edina Lakers ended their search for a new head coach by hiring a familiar face. Kasey Yoder, who took over as an assistant coach with about three weeks left in the 2009-10 season, will take over the reins and try to steer the organization into a successful 2010-11 season. “I’m excited to work with the organization, with the owners and the GM. I’m looking forward to it. It should be fun,” Yoder said. “I like the location. Edina is a great city and a great area.

The team plays in a very nice facility. They have their own locker room; it’s a good setup there. There are a lot of options for the players when they come to the city, whether it be school or work or whatever they need to do. I think it’s a pretty favorable option.”

Yoder has been coaching hockey for the past six years, from the St. Louis Park Hockey Association Squirt level to the Armstrong Hockey Association Pee Wee level to Duluth Marshall’s junior varsity team. He spent the first part of last season with the Little Falls Flying Aces Tier III A team before joining the Lakers down the stretch.

After sifting through 15 applicants and seven interviews, Lakers owner Ralph Hayne was convinced his team found the right man for the job.

“Kasey was selected as head coach because of his network of high school and junior coaches, his ability to commit so much of his time to our program and his personal goal to make coaching hockey his career,” Hayne said. “I also believe his knowledge of the game and his leadership demeanor will be the catalyst to a great season. I’m also excited about the other coaches (assistants Brett Shelanski and Todd Wynia). This young coaching staff will bring a new level of enthusiasm to our locker room and bench.”

Yoder, who played hockey for Duluth Marshall High School and Hamline University, said moving his players on to the next level of their careers will be of the utmost importance during his tenure.

“Obviously we want to promote our players onto the next level, whether that be Division III hockey or the North American Hockey League,” said Yoder, who lives in Coon Rapids. “I think that’s our biggest goal, first and foremost, and hopefully we can see some success on the ice as well.”

As far as Yoder’s coaching style goes, hard work will be the focal point.
“I think if we can go out and compete and work hard and give an honest effort every night, we’re going to be just fine,” he said. “Hard work and discipline win out in the end and improve everyone, I think. We’ll center on that and hopefully execute what we’re trying to do and be successful.”