WolfPack rounds out staff with hiring of Kohorst as Goaltending Coach

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Another change has taken place amongst the coaching staff of the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack hockey team. The B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League club has announced that they are changing goaltending coaches.

"It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Andre Larouche will not be returning as Goaltender coach for the 2012-2013 season," says general manager Chris Hans. "Andre will focus his efforts on his responsibilities on the Board of Directors of the Kamloops Collegiate Hockey Society which operates the hockey team in co-operation with the TRU Athletic department."

"Andre has been Goaltender Coach with the 'Pack since our first season in the BCIHL in 2009-2010. Andre is a tireless worker and I think has done a great job!"

Coming into replace Larouche will be 38 year old Richie Kohorst. Kohorst, a former Junior “B” and Junior “A” goalkeeper, is the owner of Pro Active Goaltending. 

"I've been training both youngsters and Junior aged goalkeepers throughout Western Canada," he says. "It has taken a while to get my name out there. I think it is an honor to be working with Thompson Rivers University."

Kohorst has worked with both of the ‘Pack’s returning goalkeepers, Shane Mainprize and Riley Wall.

"I have known Riley since he was about 14 years old. I met Shane in 2008 and we have become friends. People look at us funny because they can’t believe we are friends," he laughs. "It's great to see these guys at another level and watch how they have improved. It is great to see how much fun they are having while they are going to school."

 Kohorst hasn’t worked that much with collegiate goalies but says what he will bring to the WolfPack will be something different than what he teaches young netminders.

"Younger kids—you work with basic skill development. When they get to higher levels of junior and collegiate hockey, they already have those skill sets. Now it’s a matter of nipping bad habits in the bud and keeping it light. It is just a matter of keeping them sharp."

Kohorst plans to be on the ice with the WolfPack goalies as much as possible and will also attend most practices. He will be the ‘eye in the sky’ for the Thompson Rivers coaching staff during games. He adds that being a member of the WolfPack organization is something special.

"It is truly amazing what TRU has done in four seasons. They are a new team but they have done some great things. I am privileged to be a part of it."

ICE CHIPS: Kohorst’s Pro Active Goaltending goes into the smaller centers in British Columbia and Alberta to work with goalies there.

"We go to small associations and I bring what I have to offer there so it saves parents money. It is a mixed blessing to help goalies out there."

Kohorst is married and has a son Zachary and a daughter Hillary. Yes—his son is a goaltender.

Hans adds on the changing of the goaltending coaches: the entire organization thanks Andre for everything he has done for the organization and welcomes Richie to the club.