Monday, March 18, 2013

FORTIER NAMED HEAD COACH OF PATRIOTS

Press Release

Former Vaughan Vipers head coach Jason Fortier has replaced Mike Tarantino, who recently stepped down, as the new head coach of the Toronto Lakshore Patriots.

Mike Tarantino, the Patriots' General Manager, is pleased to make the announcement, "Jason brings a wealth of hockey experience behind the bench as a former player and coach and we’re extremely pleased for him to be joining our team”.

Jason grew up in Sault Ste Marie Ontario, where he played his minor hockey. Leaving home at 16 to play Junior 'A' in Northern Ontario, followed by a brief stint in the OHL with Newmarket. Jason played in the OJHL (formerly OPJHL) with the Newmarket 87's and led the league in scoring during one of his seasons. He posted 176 points in 72 games over two seasons. He travelled to Europe to play in Germany, then Holland and played his final pro season in the Central Hockey League with Wichita.

Jason enrolled in College and played in the now defunct OCAA, receiving several All-Star Awards. During his Collegiate career he was a member of Sault College and Humber College. In 1999 his team won the Provincial Championship and were Silver Medalist in the CCAA National Championships. Jason believes the various team roles he played and adversity he endured as a player has helped mould him into a firm but fair coach. “I have some regrets as a player but I don’t dwell on them, I use those as teaching aids for me to relate with my players and provide advice from a position of experience.”

Jason brings a straight forward and honest approach to coaching. He most recently coached the Toronto Titans Midget AAA club in the GTHL and guided them to a 2nd place finish. Prior to coaching Midget this season, he spent 4 yrs as Head Coach and General Manager of the Vaughan Vipers Jr. A (OJHL). During those 4 yrs, he led his team to a South Division Championship in 2010/11 and compiled an overall winning percentage of .658%. He is the All-Time winningest coach in the Vipers franchise history with a record 125–61-18. Over the past 11 years in coaching and running his CFP Hockey, Jason has coached over 100 players now playing at higher levels. Some notable graduates include: Anthony Peluso - Vaughan Kings (Winnipeg Jets NHL), Ryan Sproul - Vaughan Vipers (Drafted 2nd Round NHL Detroit Red Wings) Doug Clarkson - Vaughan Vipers (Attended NHL Camp and playing ECHL) and many more players currently playing Pro, NCAA and Major Junior Hockey. 

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

No comments: