Written By Jan Sims
SPORTS - The Komoka Kings have parted ways with Head Coach Rumun Ndur. A statement posted on the Kings website, describes the parting as “mutual” and “amicable.” It goes on to state: “The Kings would like to thank Rumun for his passion, dedication, hard work and professionalism over the past two seasons. The club wishes him all the best in his future endeavours. He will always be part of our Kings family.” The search is now on for a replacement Head Coach.
The Kings ended the 2024-2025 season with a five wins and 42 loss record, putting them in last place in the GOJHL Western Conference. However, the final 20 games were decided by either a one goal margin, or a goal plus the other team scoring on an empty net. “The players were battling hard, and a few bounces their way would have seen more concrete results,” says Kings Director of Media Dylan Baker.
Despite a disappointing win-loss record, there were a number of high points for the Kings. including standout seasons from forwards Nate Adams and Jagan Chanderdat. “Nate notched 7 goals and 20 assists for 27 points in 30 games as a King, wowing fans with his dazzling speed. Jagan Chanderdat was often teaming up with Adams for offensive chances,” says Baker. Several rookies also made a name for themselves including 17-year-old Ben Funston, who was acquired from the Strathroy Rockets in a midseason trade, as well as goalie Owen Edwards. “There was also defenceman Nathan Gaitens, who, at just 16 years old, put up 20 points in 46 games. Gaitens is a draft pick of the Kitchener Rangers, showed his chops at both ends of the ice all season long,” says Baker.
The 2024-2025 season also involved playing in a realigned GOJHL, which saw the Kings face a number of teams that hadn’t been part of previous regular season play. “For our fans, they got to see more great players league-wide than ever before and more variety in opponents. It also put Komoka on the map for a lot of teams and their fans that previously never visited the rink,” says Baker.
The team is optimistic about the future. “We make no illusions about the fact that five wins in a season is nowhere near enough. The team is a firm believer that continued development will lead to success. There was a lot of development that occurred this year, and we believe that it will pave the way to better results next year,” says Baker.
