Story Courtesy Jared Thiessen (Portageonline.com)
Changes keep coming for the Portage Terriers. The latest change will see a new face behind the bench, joining Blake Spiller’s staff.
Brock Trotter has played hockey across the world, and after stepping into a coaching role last season with the Virden Oil Capitals, has joined the Terriers bench.
He says it’s exciting for him to step into the new role.
“Once I knew I was heading out East here to Portage, me and Spills (Blake Spiller) got in contact with each other, and that has led to today. I’m really looking forward to it and kind of excited to get out here.”
Trotter’s career as a player took him from playing U18 hockey in Brandon through the MJHL, USHL, and down to the NCAA, before joining the AHL’s ranks, and included a two-game stint in the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens. After his first stint in the AHL, Trotter headed overseas to play in the Russia, Latvia, Sweden, Finland, France, and Germany. More recently, Trotter joined the ECHL’s Savannah Ghost Pirates for eight games as well.
Known for his offensive talents, Trotter owns a career point-per-game average of 0.8 at the AHL level. He said he feels his playstyle will help the team increase their goal-scoring as well.
“As a player, I was a fairly offensive-minded guy. I played every position on the powerplay, so I have a pretty good eye for special teams. I’m thinking that’s where I’ll probably dip my toes in first,” Trotter continues. “Obviously, I’ll be more comfortable working out things on the offensive end, but there’s two parts to the game, you’ve got to play back in your own end too.”
“Brock has played at every level and was a very intelligent player” says Spiller. ” He will be a very important addition to our organization. He will be joining our organization as an assistant coach along with Paul Harland and Robby Moar”
After a season where the Terriers offensive weaponry wasn’t at the level fans have come to expect, Trotter hopes to help the team find their scoring touch.