Pictou County Major U18 Weeks head coach Kyle MacLennan (left) has been named the head coach for Team Nova Scotia for the next Canada Winter Games. He is pictured during the recent Monctonian Tournament where the Weeks finished as silver medalists. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /The NewsArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Kyle MacLennan has been named head coach of Team Nova Scotia’s male hockey team for the Canada Winter Games, which will take place in Quebec City in 2027. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe announcement from Hockey Nova Scotiawas madeon Nov. 24.Article contentArticle content“It’s an incrediblehonouranytime you can represent your province,especially in an event like the Canada Games,” MacLennan, head coach of the Pictou County Major U18 Weeks, said. “I have a lot of close friends and coaches in my network whohavehad the privilege to coach in the event, and they all speak so highly of not just the hockey,but the overall experience of being at the Games,It’sreally one of those‘once in a lifetime’ type of experiences, so tobe able to be part of all of that, represent our provincealongsidean incredible staff, it’s a truehonour.Article contentArticle content“I know we’re well over a year away from it,but I’malreadycounting down the days.”Article contentThestaffMacLennan refers to includesassistantcoaches Zach MacQueen from the King’s-Edgehill School’s boys varsity hockey program, and Liam Heelis, of the Acadia Axemen and a former assistant coach with the Halifax Mooseheads.MacQueen played university hockey with St. F.X.,while Heelis is a former Axemen player.Article contentCanada Games hockey is, essentially, anational U16 tournament. MacLennan is well familiar with the age group as he has worked with many as first-year players developing in the Nova Scotia U18MajorHockey League(NSU18MHL)over his 11 years at the helm of the Weeks.Article content“Whenyou’re coaching, leading, and trying to develop players at the U18 level,you encounter a lot of14- and 15-year-oldtalented kids coming into your program,yearafteryear,” he said. “It’sabouthelping them develop not only their own individual games,but how thatintegratesinto a team game.That’stheultimate goal;to have team growth and success through a particular process.Article contentArticle content“This process will be a little different, a little longer.It’sdifferent than having your teamfull-time;there are limited touch points,although there are several camps leading up to the event.So, whileit’sa different setof challenges and a different process,it’sstilla lot of the same type of principles and concepts;it’sjust howthey’redelivered, howthey’retaught, and how we evaluate is a bit different.”Article contentHe also sees the experienceinhelping his own development as a coach.Article content“With the level of talent and competition, withno easy days,noeasy games,to be able to handle that; put yourself in high-pressure scenarios, it only helps you as a coach,” MacLennan said. “Ithelps youto staypresent-minded in that type of environment.Article content“Andagain,coming back to the development of the players, helping players understandthat,control what they can control, and stay present-minded,that’sanother set of challenges at a different type of event.
MacLennan to guide Team Nova Scotia
