The Wallaceburg Lakers are ready to go for the upcoming season now that some loose ends have been tied.
The Junior C hockey team recently announced the resignation of Ritch Kanally as general manager. On Wednesday, Ken Shine was announced as the replacement. In addition to the role of GM, Shine has also been hired as head coach and has also joined the Lakers' ownership team.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to return to Wallaceburg and bring this organization back to success, both on the ice and as members of the community,” says Shine in a press release.
Shine is no stranger to leading the Lakers as he had served as head coach in the past.
“We need the community to get behind the Lakers to make this a successful team, and in return, we’ll be giving back to the town in any way we can,” says Shine.
Former head coach Ryan Paxton and Bob McNear will also join the Lakers this season as assistant coaches. Trainer Jenn Gordon has also been signed on to the team. She had previously worked with the Sarnia Legionnaires and Point Edward Pacers.
In terms of who will be returning, Darryl Lucio will be back as assistant general manager and president. Caleb Coatsworth will also be back as statistician and video analysis.
“We believe this is the strongest and most stable coaching staff the Lakers have had in several years,” says Lucio in the release. “We aim to develop young hockey players, both on and off the ice, and to become the winning team that Wallaceburg deserves.”