The Airdrie Thunder have a new coach for the 2017-2018 season and he's very excited to get started.

Local business owner Derek Stamp was named the bench boss of the team last week and says he's already looking to change the vision of the team.

"Things have always been certain way and we're going to change some of those. We're going to try and put more of an emphasis on responsibility, accountability, developing the human being under the platform of playing competitive hockey."

The Thunder have called Airdrie home for over 20 years, and it's that rich history that thrills Stamp the most.

"I think the potential to create a program that kind of builds around the success they have had and maybe grow upon it is really exciting."

Although it's bittersweet to leave his last coaching job, Stamp says his experience with the Midget AA Lightning has prepared him well for the Thunder job. He gives credit to the Minor Hockey Association and the culture of the sport in Airdrie for helping build players as well as strong members of the community.

"At these highest levels, whether it be the Bisons or the Thunder...we have that opportunity to give them that pathway and to give them that outlet that they then learn and immediately come back and give back to the community and have those successes."

Right now, Stamp is looking forward to meeting with returning players as the team prepares to hold it's first training camp in time for the new season of the HJHL this fall.

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