Photo courtesy of the Blenheim Blades.Photo courtesy of the Blenheim Blades.
Chatham

Blades Announce New Head Coach

The Blenheim Blades have named Bill Cumming their new head coach.

The Blades new general manager, Lonnie Hamilton, made the announcement Wednesday morning.

"It's a great organization to work with," says Cumming. "Been there last year as assistant coach, learned a lot about the organization, how they treat their players, and felt it would be a terrific move to help out this year with them."

It was just last week that Blenheim announced that Ken Shine would not be back next season as head coach.

Cumming's son, Kier, played for the Blades last season, and Bill hopes he'll back back next season.

Cumming says his coaching staff will play a very important role next season.

"To be successful, obviously you have to surround yourself with good people, and I think I've managed to do that," he says.

Ken Gagner is joining the Blades as an associate coach, Shawn Tiffin will coach the defence, Evan Merritt is returning as an assistant and head trainer, and Bino Pereira is back is back as the goalie coach.

"It's my job to make the ultimate decision, but I'm going to count on these gentlemen for a lot of great input," says Cumming.

Current and prospective Blades will be on the ice on Thursday night for the first of two by invitation only spring skates. The second takes place next Thursday, April 27 at 7:30 pm.

Read More Local Stories