Prokop leads Golden Bears hockey into second half of season

The Golden Bears hockey team wrapped up the first semester leading Canada West with a 13-3-0 record. What seemed to send the team over the edge was the 11 rookie influx, notably Sean Tschigerl, Brett Hyland, Marc Lajoie, and Tyler Palmer.

“It makes everything a bit more competitive. Our young guys are obviously good players, so it just brings a good competitive edge to our group,” Bears Captain Josh Prokop said.

In terms of leading the team to this impressive record, Prokop says it comes down to “setting a good example each and every day, on and off the ice. Using my past experiences that I’ve had on the team.”

But it’s not just Prokop that helps direct the younger guys. Several older players have had Canada West and U Sport playoff appearances, adding an air of experience to the group.

“It’s good leadership. Guys have been there, and know what it takes to get there,” Prokop said.

Where are the Bears now?

After an unfortunate couple of weeks against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies and the Mount Royal University Cougars, the Bears have seen some interesting developments to the team.

“The last couple of games haven’t been our best. We just have to keep things simple and play within our system. That’s when we’re at our best,” Prokop said.

An interesting area for the Bears was the special teams that saw a declining power play and a penalty kill that was all over the place. With that in mind, Prokop said “some of it is due to guys being hurt and moving pieces.”

Hyland and Tschigerl ended the fall semester in the stands but were back and ready to play the University of Grant MacEwan Griffins on January 3 and 4. Regardless of the score, this served as a healthy transition game against a low-ranking team.

What comes next?

With only two months left in the regular season, the Bears are looking to stay as Canada West leaders. If they can lead their conference, they’ll host the Canada West playoff finals, and get a bye.

“The key is not to become complacent, because when teams play us, they’re always going to bring their best. We always have to be ready for that,” Prokop said.

If the Bears crush it in the Canada West playoffs, there’s already an idea of the caliber of teams they’ll play at nationals. The current U Sports champions, the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds, and other Atlantic teams will prove to be a challenge. But one that the Bears are ready for.

“We’re definitely, in my opinion, one of the best schools in the country right now. It’s hard to put a finger on [other teams] just because we don’t play them until the end.”

An interesting parallel you probably didn’t realize

The Varsity Reds are the reigning U Sports champions, and have been since 2023. But how did they get their start?

The Reds started their cup run with a large rookie class and a very talented goalie, Sam Richard. Well, the same can now be said for the Bears. Their 11 recruits, including a talented goalie, Palmer, have sent them over the edge this year. And they’re only halfway into the season.

“There’s another level to our team and to our game, and bringing that out in us will take us to the next level,” Prokop said.

So while we may not see a U Sports championship this year, we know it’s coming.