The 40-year-old Stewiacke resident likes teaching young players, watching them develop and realize the fruits of their hard work. So what better spot to coach than the Truro Bearcats major bantam hockey club.

"I'm very excited about it," Lanceleve said. "It's a good age to be involved with. It's a good opportunity and the kids are fun."

Lanceleve took over the reigns of the team earlier this week from former coach Josh Boulton, who elected to leave due to work commitments and to spend more time with his young family.

He will make his bench debut today when the Bearcats host the East Hants-based Newbridge Senators at 4:30 p.m. at Colchester Legion Stadium. The Bearcats host Scottsburn Crushers in Springhill tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Under Boulton, the Bearcats have gotten off to a 2-7-0 record for a three-way tie for ninth on the 12-team circuit. But Dave Ritcey, the team's vice president, stressed that Boulton's departure was not related to the team's start to the season.

"It had nothing to do with the record or anything like that," said Ritcey. "It was a mutual decision and no disrespect to Josh as he did a lot for our organization- we felt it was just time to make a change. He's a great guy and his efforts were very much appreciated by the organization."

Ritcey said he's happy with the decision to bring Lanceleve in.

"Lou is a guy who can bring excitement and energy to the team. He's a positive guy and at this level that's what you need."

Lanceleve is not looking to make major changes to the groundwork already laid. Rather, he just wants to make playing hockey enjoyable for the players.

"I just want to make it fun for the kids and develop them," he said. "We'll put that together and at the end of the day we'll see what happens."

Lanceleve has three sons currently playing hockey - Colby, Truro junior A; Carson, Truro peewee AAA; and Reid, Brookfield bantam A. He last coached at the atom AAA last season with Carson's team. A former player who competed up to the senior level, he also has coaching experience with Brookfield's junior B squad.

Although he wants to make things fun for his players, he also expects a desire to improve.

"If it's not fun they won't come to the rink. That being said, to play at this level you have to be wiling to compete day in and day out."