The Chatham Maroons and the Komoka Kings will both have new bench bosses this fall.
That's because Ron Horvat is leaving the Maroons to join Komoka as their new head coach.
The Kings made the announcement on their Facebook page late Tuesday night. The post didn't offer an in-depth explanation for why Horvat decided to leave Chatham, but it did include a statement from the Maroons' former head coach.
“I am looking forward to the next chapter and an exciting environment in Komoka,” Horvat said in the release. “Roop has made some incredible strides with this team in their inaugural season and I look forward to working with him to further grow this program in the community.”
Horvat's move to Komoka also coincides with what the team is calling a "clean slate behind the bench" as the entire 2017/2018 coaching staff has moved on to other roles outside of the league.
“I would like to thank the entire bench staff, Head Coach Brian Dobbin and Assistant Coaches Jason Williams, Jason Stacey, and Jake Jefferies for all of their efforts over this inaugural season and wish the entire staff the best of luck in their new roles," Kings owner Roop Chanderdat said. "Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and hockey experience to our team... He not only has a ton of coaching experience but is well respected in the local hockey community.”
Horvat joined the Maroons as their head coach in January 2017 after the team fired Brian Verbeek. The team ended up making it to the GOJHL's Western Conference semifinals twice under Horvat's direction, losing both times to the London Nationals.