MARQUETTE – After struggling the last couple of seasons, the Marquette Electricians hockey team will enter a new coaching era this coming season.

Former Northern Michigan University player Nate Taurence will man the helm for the Electricians and is looking forward to the challenge. He also emphasized things will go differently during his tenure as coach.

“I’m really excited for this opportunity,” he said. “I know they’ve been struggling hard, but I believe we can become what we used to be.

“I’m going to make sure problems are dealt with and let people know that there will be consequences for their actions.”

Before joining the Wildcats as a forward, Taurence played for the NAHL’s Marquette Rangers and Bismarck (N.D.) Bobcats. He also played one season at the College of Saint Scholastica.

Taurence also used to be a student coach with the Wildcats and was encouraged by NMU head coach Walt Kyle to pursue the Electricians’ job.

“Coach said this was a great opportunity for me and he recommended me for the job,” Taurence said.

Now that he’s in charge of a franchise, Taurence already has a plan in place to get quality players. He’s going to have open weekly skating tryouts this summer, both in Marquette and downstate in Lansing to help fill the roster.

“I want to build a team from all over Michigan,” he said.

“I think they ended last season with only 12 to 14 guys on the roster, so I’m trying to change the culture around the program and keep kids around the area.”

Taurence said the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association limited the amount of Tier 1 teams to 10 in the state, so the Electricians will have a better chance to recruit quality players.

“Having 18 teams really hurt Tier 1,” he said. “We were grandfathered in to be one of the 10 and I think that will make it easier with recruiting.”

Even though things have been rough for the Electricians lately and enthusiasm may be dwindling in the community, Taurence wants people to know that changes are coming.

“Marquette is a great place to play hockey,” he said. “I want to get a good group of kids up here and my goal is to help them move on to the next level.

“We’re working hard to fix problems and reinvent the program. If everybody gets on board and believes in that, I think we will turn things around.”

For more information about this summer’s open skate tryouts, email Taurence at taurence7@hotmail.com.

Ryan Stieg can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 246.