Larry Camus took over a South Hadley hockey program that missed the playoffs the last two seasons, and took the Tigers to a Division 3A Western Massachusetts title last week.
He worked as an assistant coach in the program for the last 17 seasons, including when the team was under the Holyoke name.
South Hadley (12-7-3), which won four sectional titles from 2009-2012, got back on top of western Mass. when it beat Chicopee 3-2 on Thursday. Top-seeded Chicopee had only one loss the entire season.
What caused the huge turnaround for the Tigers?
“We actually got a better schedule this season and we were young last season,” Camus said. “Too many games and not enough practices. The individual practice was important too, but we got them to play as a team. There’s no superstar.”
With more practice time available for the Tigers, they were able to work on different strategies and schemes.
Camus took over for John Houle, but he did not make major changes to anything the Tigers do on offense or defense.
“We have a base from John,” Camus said. “We tweaked it a little bit but it’s mostly the same.”
There was one change made in the team’s overall philosophy among the coaching staff from top to bottom for South Hadley. Camus uses the input of his assistants and welcomes their viewpoints regularly. His use of his assistants is directly related to his place as an assistant for the last 17 years.
“It’s more of a democracy,” Camus said. “I have to put the best product out there. The younger coaches know the game and know the players. We all do it together.”
Now the sights are set on a state Division 3A title when the Tigers play Central Mass. champion Grafton (16-6-1), Wednesday at the MassMutual Center. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m. in Springfield.
Goalie Jacob Remillard leads the defense for South Hadley, while and Nick Thibault is the leading scorer with 16 goals and 22 assists.
Camus has a scouting report on Grafton, but has not seen the Indians in person.
“We have enough strategies to adjust to what they are doing,” Camus said. “They aren’t the most physical team so maybe we can throw our bodies around and see what happens.”
Camus had planned to go see the Central Mass. championship, but the South Hadley hockey banquet occurred on the same night.
“It was already scheduled and we turned it into a rally,” Camus said. “We didn’t give out trophies. Some senior gifts. If they want another trophy they need to go win it, but don’t get cocky because you can get chopped down easily.”
Cam Powell is a smaller, but extremely active goalie for Grafton, while Cam Thomas scored two goals in the Indians’ 5-2 win over Oakmont in the Central Mass. final.
“They are fast like us,” Camus said. “They capitalize on mistakes.”
