LEWISTON – Ed Harding never looked as relaxed as he did during training camp.

“That might have been the most relaxing summer I’ve had in seven or eight years,” Harding said.

With all of the changes in the Lewiston Maineiacs’ organization, Harding and fellow assistant coach Jeff Guay rested easy over the summer after getting an important vote of confidence from majority team owner Mark Just.

“We felt it was important for the returning players and for the organization to have something that was the same,” said Just. “It was a no-brainer.”

That “no-brainer” was keeping Harding and Guay, the Maineiacs’ two full-time assistant coaches.

“I didn’t make the choice without running it by Clem (Jodoin, the team’s general manager and head coach),” said Just. “I think both of them are tremendous young coaches with a lot to give to the game, but I also wanted Clem to feel comfortable with them. I told him I wanted him to interview them like any other candidate.”

Jodoin liked what he saw – and heard.

“They are an asset to the organization because they know the game and they know the area,” said Jodoin. “I didn’t want to come in here and change the whole organization of the team. I am here to coach hockey and Ed and Jeff can help me do that.”

For the two assistant coaches, just working with a veteran coach like Jodoin is a plus.

“With his credentials, how can you not look forward to working with him?” said Guay. “The other thing is how friendly he is. I seriously think he is going to talk to every single fan in this rink one-on-one before the end of this season.”

“I think Clem and I have a mutual respect for what each other have put into the game over the years,” said Harding. “If I was the head coach, I would certainly want to be around people I know and trust.”

Both Guay and Harding were advised by outgoing coach Mario Durocher and General Manager Normand Gosselin to welcome the change.

“He has so much respect around this league,” Guay said. “When I spoke with Norm and Mario, they told me that if I had the chance to work under Clem that I should take it, that it would be a great experience.”

With another season on the way, Harding and Guay are poised to take on their new roles, whatever those may be.

“We haven’t even gone over specific roles yet,” said Harding.

“I know he’ll need help in preparing practices, but as always I know it is my job to do what he asks of me. That is a role I don’t mind having.”