Wednesday, May 15, 2013

BLAZERS SHUFFLE DECK WITH COACHING STAFF

Press Release

Kamloops, BC – The Kamloops Blazers have announced that Dave Hunchak has signed a multi-year contract as the new Head Coach of the Kamloops Blazers. Guy Charron, who was named Head Coach in November 2009, has chosen to scale back his duties. Charron will move into a new role as the Advisor to Hockey Operations.

Charron’s new role with the hockey club will include attending practices and home games while assisting the General Manager, coaching and scouting staff on all hockey related matters. Charron will also aid in on-ice skill development and represent the Blazers at local community events. 

“Guy has done an outstanding job in helping this franchise turn a corner over the past three and a half seasons,” commented General Manager Craig Bonner. “His commitment, dedication and leadership during a transition period were essential in moving our club in a positive direction. When Guy decided it was time to take a lesser role, it was important to us that he remain with the Blazers organization. He loves the city of Kamloops and is retiring here.”

During three and a half seasons at the helm of the Blazers, Charron compiled a 144-97-7-13 record. He is tied with Don Hay for second in franchise history with 144 victories, trailing only Ken Hitchcock’s 291 wins as the Kamloops Blazers Head Coach.

Governor and President Tom Gaglardi commented, “I have a tremendous amount of respect for Guy Charron and the job he has done with the Kamloops Blazers. I don’t think you can overemphasize how important his leadership has been to the future of our franchise. He has been a key part in reclaiming our identity as one of the elite teams in the Western Hockey League.

Gaglardi added, “Guy and Dave have worked well together and we have the utmost confidence in Dave taking over as Head Coach of the hockey club.”

With Charron stepping aside, Dave Hunchak has been named the new Head Coach of the Kamloops Blazers. Hunchak has spent the past two seasons as an Associate Coach helping the Blazers compile a record of 94-40-4-6 over that time.

Prior to joining the Blazers in June of 2011, Hunchak was the Head Coach of the Moose Jaw Warriors for four seasons and an Assistant Coach with the Swift Current Broncos for three seasons.

“When Guy made it known he was ready to take a step back, we knew that Dave was the right person to step in as Head Coach,” commented Bonner. “The transition will be smooth as he has already helped this franchise take positive steps on and off the ice over the past two seasons.”

The Blazers have also re-signed Athletic Trainer / Equipment Manager Colin Robinson to a multi-year contract extension. Robinson has been the Athletic Trainer / Equipment Manager with the Blazers since the 2005-06. He is one of the WHL’s longest serving trainers entering his 18th season in the league after previously spending time with the Vancouver Giants and Swift Current Broncos.

“Colin is known around the league as one of the best,” commented Bonner. “He is a major part of our hockey staff and has earned this extension.”

The Blazers are now actively seeking a full-time Assistant Coach.

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

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