The Neepawa Natives have announced their new Head Coach for the 2016-17 MJHL Season.

Dustin Howden's been with the Natives for two seasons as the Assistant Coach, and is about to step into his first Head Coaching position in the MJHL. Howden feels he's learned a lot as an assistant to succeed in his new role.

"Interacting with the guys is first and foremost, understanding the highs and lows of the hockey season. Guys being away from their home for the first time, all kinds of things like that."

The Natives went 13-45-2 this season, dropping in total points from the previous year. Howden says they went with a really young roster this year, and feels they'll be a lot better next season.

"We were competitive at the end of the year we all felt. We have another good young core coming back to the program this year, some good young players coming in. Just stepping stones, and eventually we'll be a contender some day."

Howden's very excited to be taking over head coach, but says it's still all about the players.

"Developing these guys, they all have dreams to be on a competitive dream in the MJHL, and they want a post secondary opportunity. The only way to do that is through development, and that's done on the ice, and off the ice."

The two previous coaches were Jim Fuyarchuk for the 2015-16 season, and Dwayne Kirkup from the 2014-15 Season. Howden credits both for his success.

"I've had some great mentoring by Dwayne Kirkup my first year, and Jim Fuyarchuk last year. They're class act coaches, I'm very fortunate to have learned how to be professional off the ice with all the guys."