Steinbach Pistons head coach Paul Dyck took a few moments on the bench alone after the final buzzer of the season. The coach then stepped down and talked with SteinbachOnline, reflecting on what was the best season of his coaching career.

STEINBACHONLINE: One of the most successful season in franchise history, it's got to bring a smile to your face.

PAUL DYCK: There's no question about it. It's the greatest year in the history of our franchise. The guys have a lot to be proud of and we're very proud of them as a staff. They've accomplished a tremendous amount this year, both on and off the ice. We broke records in terms of contributions off the ice and on the ice I think we provided a very entertaining brand of hockey. Very exciting year for the Steinbach Pistons.

SO: Not the way you wanted to end the year but to be here with this group that's so close both on and off the ice, has to mean a lot to you.

PD: There's no question about it. Teams like this don't come along every year and to be here is an amazing achievenement. It's so difficult to get to this event. The unfortunate thing, the most disappointing part is no one really got to see our team play at the level we were capable of. I don't know if we were tapped coming out of the Nipawin series, (but) we just didn't seem to have the same energy that we've played with. Obviously, the competition is strong here but we've showed we could, but just couldn't sustain it. I don't know the reason, it's quite perplexing. From this point forward though, I think the guys will look back at just how special this year is.

SO: The 20-year-olds that are graduating, some of the best people you've had in the organization and our community as well, can you talk about them individually or as a group?

PD: I'd gladly talk about them individually, let's start with our captain, Braden Purtill. Since Purts has come here, since he joined us from a few years in the Western League, he's bought in immidiatly. He's been a warrior for us, that's why he's wearing the 'C' this year, he provides great leadership. He's just a soldier, he played injured and I think he was a good mentor for the younger guys on just how to prepare day in and day out.

Bradley Schoonbaert, we've had him for three years and we've just seen him grow as a person and a player. He's been very productive every year and especially this year, he's taken it to another level. We're gonna miss his scoring production and sense of humour in the dressing room. Just another great individual.

Drew Worrad, we picked up in a trade over the summer and what a great addition he's been. We're gonna miss him, just a special player and incredible young man. He's got a future in the game, going to Western Michigan. So thankful he was able to join us and he's been just a great fit since day one.

I'll stay with the forwards, Luke Bellerose. Belly joined us at the deadline, added some sand paper and bought into a role for us. He's a good hockey player and for a lot of other teams he'd play a greater role but he did whatever we asked of him. Another guy that comes to the rink and works hard, he practices the right way and was a great fit, he blended in with our group.

Daniel McKitrick. Trixy brought a lot of speed and energy. One of the fan favourites in Steinbach. It was fun to watch him go. I know he's disapointted in how it ended here but you know, he's another special talent.

I think we're going to the backend now with (Mark) Taraschuk. Terry is just a special guy. We call him 'Grandpa', he brings a lot of wisdom and maturity. Guys got a head on his shoulders, he's a great man. He's a rock for us. So thankful he decided to continue to play and that he joined us. I think he preperation is also going to rub off on our younger guys, so, having guys like him around makes those younger guys better and prepares them for the years ahead.

Mark Wilson, so greatful we were able to get him. What an addition he was. Just another guy that makes great decisions with the puck so consistently. Just a great guy, the boys embraced him the moment he walked into our room. Maybe the most underrated defencemen in Western Canada, in my opinion. 

SO: There's quite a few more things to discuss. The board members and the support from above, just speak about how much they mean to the teams success.

PD: So greatful to be working for this organzition. The strength of our board, it's not something we take for granted but this really isn't the norm. Very passionate about our hockey team. The support we recieve from them, the support the players get, it's really become a special place. The on ice and the off ice, we wouldn't be here without everybody.

SO: The volunteers and commuinty support, it was also a special year in the regard, just speak to what it means to have seen that grow this year.

PD: We have great fans, people that have come here from Steinbach to support the boys in their push for the third cup and it's amazing. You know, our building is full on a nightly basis. That's what makes playing in Steinbach a special place to play, it's the people. We tell the boys, you're going to have a handful of on ice memories but you'll have dozens off the ice. The friendships that you made in the commuity will last forever. There's people here that love them and that's what junior hockey's all about. I'm really thankful that our fans and the people of Steinbach have made it that for our team.

SO: The coaching staff. Many times when the players have off days, the coaches don't. Just talk about your staff.

PD: We've become real close. We have a great relationship. Great working relationship but also a friendship. I'll start with Joey (Moggach), he works with the defence and power play. He's done an excellent job in developing the guys and played a major role in us getting to where we are. He's brought a lot of fresh ideas to the staff and he's incridibly committed to our team and to our players. Really thankful for that.

Graham (Pollock), everyone that knows him knows he loves to win. He loves winning more then he hates losing. He's all in for this team. He's the eye in the sky, he helps with in game adjustments. He's just terrific.

Jeff Eidse and Ryan Dyck, both guys are so key. The guys really trusted in them and that's so important. Kevin Geisheimer, he's really the glue, the unheroalded star in the office. He's made so many connections within our community. 

SO: Finally Paul, we'll ask you to speak on behalf of the organization when it comes to the famlies that let you guys do what you do. It's long hours away, weekends and sometimes weeks, but it couldn't be done without the support of the familes behind the coahes and players.

PD: The hours are long and hockey's an interesting business. It's evenings, weekends and days. Sometimes it's 8:00 in the morning till midnight or later. We travel a fair amount. The sacrafices our famlies make for us to be able to do this is huge. I know, we have the hockey disease in our blood but it can't be done without their support so, I'm personally greatful to Candice and the kids for supporting me and when we're at home, I know it's special to see them at the games. I know that the other people in the organization feel the same way about their families, it's special to them. 

I want to say a big thank you to all of them for supporting us and allowing us to do what we're passionate about.

It's been a special year and it's going to be hard to cap. For now, I hope everybody revels in what's taken place and enjoys the memories that have taken place this year.