Natives, Kirkup Back for Next Season

  The Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Neepawa Natives made a pair of significant announcements on Thursday night.
 
  As expected, the team will proceed for the 2014-2015 season after a ‘community awareness’ meeting showed the type of support the financially troubled franchise was looking for.
 
  "We needed more help, financially and in terms of volunteering," said Natives’ GM Myles Cathcart in a release, "The result has been incredible as everyone wants to keep the team in town.  I am not surprized by this as Neepawa always seems to find a way to get it done."
 
  With the team’s short-term future cleared up, the club quickly moved to bring coach Dwayne Kirkup back behind the bench for a second season.
 
  "The community and organization made it clear they wanted me to return and I am excited for the opportunity that has been presented," said Kirkup in the release, "The entire community is behind this team and it’s exciting to be part of it."
 
  "In terms of quality coaches in hockey, Kirkup is in the elite group," added Cathcart, "He is professional, works extremely hard, is approachable and the players work hard for him.  He fits in with what we are doing.  We want quality players and coaches within our organization."
 
  Kirkup went 14-41-5 in his first season behind the Natives’ bench in 2013-2014.