The Waywayseecappo Wolverines are pleased to announce Hibbing, MN Native, Bob Bestul as the teams Minnesota and Area Scout.
With plenty or familiarity having had his son (Jake) play for the organization over the last three seasons, it was a no brainer for Head Coach and General Manager, Taylor Harnett to name Bestul as a key part of the teams scouting staff once the two got to know each other over the last two seasons.
“When Taylor came on a year and a half ago, I contacted him and let him know that I’ve been involved with hockey in Minnesota for a long time,” Bestul explained. “I let him know if he ever needed any help, to let him know down the road. With Jake being up there I had a vested interest in things and wanted it to go well. ”
“We’ve been in contact throughout the year and he asked if I would be interested in doing some more than what I’ve done before. With Jake graduating out of the program and moving on to college, I thought it was a great time for me to stay involved that way.”
Bestul brings a wealth of experience to the Wolverines organization, having played and coached at a high level of hockey for a number of years in the state of Minnesota.
“I played in the USHL and for the Bemidji State Beavers at the NCAA level. From there, I coached varsity high school hockey for nearly 20 years. I know how the system in Minnesota works and understand it pretty well and know a lot of the coaches in the state, so I think that gives me a nice little benefit.”
As a scout, not only will Bestul be able to pluck talent from around the state of Minnesota, he will also be able to relate to parents of potential players that have questions of whether or not making the move to Canada is a right fit for their son.
“As a parent of someone who has taken the path to the MJHL, there’s a lot of questions that parents have. It’s nice that they can talk to someone who went through it, it prepares them for what to expect,” Bestul shared.
The elementary school principal from Hibbing, Minnesota talked with excitement when discussing his new position with the club and is ready to hit the ground running to look for a certain type of player and person that will fit with the organization.
“This scouting thing is really exciting. I think we have a ton of great players in Minnesota. Being able to get around the state a little more during the season to talk to kids is great. To me, the biggest thing is the character. Getting out earlier to talk to the kids and coaches throughout the season will give me a better idea of what the players are like on and off the ice.”
“One of the biggest things for me and Taylor is to make sure we’re on the same page with the kind of kids were looking for. Obviously, they need talent but they have to be character type kids and that’s really important for the program.”
Bestul spoke with enthusiasm when asked about the Wolverines future, and he is certainly looking forward to being a part of the blueprint that will help bring a Turnbull Cup to the fans in Waywayseecappo.
“Wayway has made some huge advancements with the entire staff. To be a part of the rebuilding of this program is really exciting. I wish Jake was starting over right now because I think in the next three to four years, people are going to see some big changes and advancements to the program,” Bestul concluded.