Monday, May 31, 2010

Warriors' head coach Yopyk adds GM title to role in Westside

Press Release

The British Columbia Hockey League's Westside Warriors are pleased to announce that head coach Darren Yopyk has also been appointed the team's general manager.

Yopyk recently led the Warriors to a third place finish in the BCHL’s Interior Conference and a second round playoff appearance in his first season with the team. The former Merrimack College assist coach has been working tirelessly in recruiting high -end prospects to ensure the Warriors fifth year in the league is their best ever.

“I want to first thank the Westside Warriors and the Cheyne family for giving me this opportunity,” says Yopyk. “I am excited to continue to build on the strong foundation that has been established over the past five seasons here in Westside. I look forward to continue not only building a Championship team, but also building Champion players and people along the way.”

The Warriors had eight player commit to post-secondary scholarships during the 2009/10 season. Team co-captains Trevor Bailey and Joel Woznikoski are both bound for the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology while five others have committed to NCAA Division I schools.

Westside has also received a commitment from WHL third-round draft pick Michael King, who will help fill the hole left by Woznikoski and Brendan Ellis on the Warriors' blueline. Ellis was named the Interior Conference's Top Defenceman last season.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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