With the start of the inaugural Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League season right around the corner, all of the circuit’s head coaches are working diligently to architect a competitive roster.

The Pikes Peak Miners recently appointed Nick Harper, a former North American Hockey League (NAHL) coach who last season served as video coach at the Air Force Academy, as their first head coach.

Harper, a Miners alum, is nothing but excited to return to the program.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the tradition here of developing players and preparing them for not only the next step in hockey, but in life as well,” said Harper.

“Playing for the Miners was a great decision for me, and I’m grateful for the lessons I learned during my time with the program. They care about their players and put their needs first.”

Harper was behind the bench as an assistant coach with the NAHL’s Wichita Falls Wildcats and Springfield Jr. Blues, and also led the University of Northern Colorado’s American Collegiate Hockey Association Division II team as head coach.

“After coaching in the NAHL for several years, I learned that my knowledge of the game would only get me so far,” explained Harper. “Much more important is building relationships with your players, and learning how they’re motivated – that helps create a culture where the players are excited about coming to the rink and getting better every day.”

And Harper believes that blueprint will help the club’s players develop and advance to higher levels in the years to come.

“I want players who know how to support their teammates, use creativity, and are always looking to make a play when they have the puck,” he said.

– Matt Mackinder