POWELL RIVER 6 VICTORIA 2
If Friday night proved anything at Bear Mountain Arena it was that Ryan O'Byrne is no jinx.
The Colorado Avalanche defenceman - who has taken on a role as assistant coach with the Victoria Grizzlies while he and his NHL brethren are locked out - got the sweet taste of victory for the first time on his second attempt behind the bench.
O'Byrne wasn't on the road on Saturday night as the Grizzlies travelled to Powell River where they lost 6-2 to the Kings. But he certainly got a kick out of Friday's 3-1 victory over the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
"Obviously nice to get that first one. I was hoping to get it last week, but it didn't work out," said O'Byrne, who is experiencing a contrasting side of the game as a coach, rather than a player.
"It's a completely different perspective being back there rather than sitting on the bench," the 28-year-old Victoria native admitted.
"I'm watching it from a different perspective, trying to be positive and help guys out with certain little plays.
"It's obviously much different watching and seeing how it all unfolds."
It has its similarities, however, as his emotions remain charged heading into games.
"Absolutely. I have my pre-game nap before the game, grab my coffee and come to the rink," O'Byrne said of preparation. "That's what you miss the most, obviously being locked out, is getting to the rink and being part of a winning team.
"I've been part of that for the last 23 years, getting to a rink on Saturday and being a part of something. That feeling you get, you can't duplicate it, so that's why I'm happy being out here and a part of this."
And he's learning a new aspects of the business of hockey from both general manager and head coach Bill Bestwick and assistant GM and coach Craig Didmon.
"It's been interesting and fun," said O'Byrne. "I've enjoyed it immensely and I'm happy to hang out and help out when I can, show them different things I've learned along the way and pass that knowledge on to them.
"I've been fortunate enough to watch Billy and see how he carries himself, not only as a coach, but a general manager," O'Byrne added of Bestwick. "It's difficult doing both those roles. It's been enjoyable to watch him, how he carries himself and I learn from that."
And O'Byrne stays in shape skating with the team during the week in practice.
"I'm just trying to stay ready for whenever that call comes," said O'Byrne, one of the Avalanche's representatives on NHL players' association, who hopes a solution will be found to the lockout.
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