Article courtesy of Steinbachonline.com’s Dave Anthony
Former Steinbach Pistons equipment manager Riley Kosmolak is switching provinces after taking a job with the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League.
Known as “Chief”, he explains why he decided to leave his current position with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League to work for the Blades. “With the Moose, I was an assistant equipment guy and visiting room attendant, which means I was a lower guy on the totem pole.” Kosmolak said from the Bell MTS Iceplex on Friday morning. “In Saskatoon, I’m the head guy. I make all the decisions on equipment, ordering and the travel. It’s a move to get more experience.”
For the first time, the Manitoba boy will be heading out of province but Chief says he’s not concerned. “At first, it was kind of nerve racking. It’s only a 9 hour drive, 1.5 hour flight, it’s not that far.”
Chief really cherished the time he spent with the Moose organization and credits them for helping him into his new position with the Blades. “(The Moose) were phenomenal. To jump there from Steinbach, it was good. We treated our players well because they gave us the tools to do so. To be in the same building as the Jets was amazing. To work close with their trainers, guys who helped me learn and they’re guys I can call and ask for anything. They’re the best.”
The outpouring of support from around the hockey world, including goalie coach Dan Ferguson and Pistons video coach Graham Pollock, has the Chief totally blown away. “So many guys I’ve met in the past two years, even past Pistons players have called or texted. I can’t say thank you enough for the support.”