WEST FARGO-West Fargo Sheyenne has named David Benson head boys hockey coach, school activities director Ross Richards announced Thursday, April 27.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Benson said. "Not many people can say they started a brand new program."
Benson will be the first head coach in program history. He was the head coach at Fargo South from 2008-11, and has been on the Fargo Davies boys hockey coaching staff since 2015.
"Sheyenne is getting a quality coach with the passion and desire to take on the challenges that are inherent when a program is in its inception," Richards stated in a news release. "Maybe the most important aspect when starting a program from scratch is the building of relationships with participants and supporters of the program. (Benson) is a coach that understands that and will foster those relationships in order to establish a positive culture that will drive the direction of the program for years to come."
Benson said the program has enough players to field junior varsity and varsity teams. He also expects the new West Fargo hockey facility just north of 32nd Avenue West and Sheyenne Street to be ready by the start of the season.
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"To start a new program in a brand new rink, what more could you ask for," Benson said. "It's just one more new thing in this program kids are excited about it."
Benson said his coaching philosophy is to focus on defense first.
"We have to play gritty," Benson said. "We have to be a tough-nosed team with a defense-first mentality. We just have to be willing to pay a price for one another. It'll be a fun experience for all the kids. To give their very best all the time is all I'm asking for. Work hard for each other and the name on the front of the jersey."
He's ready to start the hockey program for the Mustangs.
"I think the biggest thing is being able to start your own program and put a stamp of your own on something brand new and create something that hopefully will be something a lot of people are proud of for a long time," Benson said.
