Grizzlys Press Release: Doug Hedley Named Head Coach

Press Release

The Olds Grizzlys would like to announce that Doug Hedley has signed a three year agreement to assume the position of Head Coach / Director of Hockey Operations beginning immediately.

Doug will join the Grizzlys after a successful stint as the Event Coordinator of the 2010 Royal Bank Cup that was held in his hometown, Dauphin, Manitoba. Prior to that Doug coached in the Manitoba and Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for the past 17 years.

Most recently Hedley coached the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL where he was named Coach of the Year. Over his time as Head Coach he was named Coach of the Year twice, and has been named an All-Star Team coach twice in the SJHL and four times in the MJHL. In addition, Hedley was co-coach of the SJHL Selects that played at the Viking Cup in Camrose in 1999 and 2001. The SJHL won the Viking Cup in 1999.

Doug has a Bachelor of Education from Brandon University. He played his Junior hockey with the Dauphin Kings and University hockey with the BU Bobcats under former St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings Head Coach, Andy Murray.

“We are excited to have Doug on board,” explained Grizzlys President Jim Ross. “Doug has a proven record of success at the Junior ‘A’ level and is reported to be an excellent teacher of the game. He also understands the small community market and how to make it successful.”

“I’m looking forward to working in the AJHL,” said Doug. “It is a very competitive league and I look forward to have the players represent the crest of the Olds Grizzlys and challenge for the top.”

“We had about 80 applicants for the position and it took us some time to narrow it down to Doug” said Ross. “The Grizzlys would like to thank all those who showed interest in the position. It was somewhat overwhelming to see the level of response.”

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