Written By Jan Sims
KOMOKA - There are some new faces behind the bench for the Komoka Kings. Joining Head Coach Brett Hope, are assistant coaches Michael Woolley, Sean O’Brien, and Dylan Thomas.
Woolley comes to the Kings after an accomplished career as both a coach and player. He was selected by the Sarnia Sting in the 2010 OHL draft, and enjoyed a junior career that encompassed more than 200 games including being part of teams in London, Strathroy, Cornwall, Port Stanley and St. Thomas. The 32-year-old Woolley served as an assistant coach with the Aylmer Spitfires for three years.
O’Brien’s hockey career took him to teams in Ontario and Quebec. The London native played with the London Junior Knights before going on to join the Chatham Maroons and the St. Marys Lincolns. He also played two seasons with teams in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. More recently he has spent four years behind the bench as a coach within the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks and London Junior Knights organizations.
Thomas spent four years as a player with the St. Thomas Stars where he captured a Bill Weir Championship. As an assistant coach, he helped guide the Lambeth Lancers to a league championship, and a Western Conference championship. Thomas has also spent the past 10 years coaching the Saunders Sabres high school program.
Rounding out the coaching staff for the upcoming season are Brendan O’Neill who returns as goaltending coach and Dave MacDonald who will serve as assistant goaltending coach.
“I’m incredibly excited to welcome all of these gentlemen to our coaching staff. Each of them played the game the right way, competed for championships, brought passion every day, and most importantly, were outstanding teammates. They each bring a unique perspective and strength to our staff, helping create a well-rounded and complete coaching group. Our players—and myself included—are fortunate to have such high-quality people and coaches joining our program,” said Hope in a statement.
“We are proud to have built a coaching staff filled with young, passionate coaches, experienced both on the ice and behind the bench. Each of these guys has been through junior hockey and knows what it takes to get to the next level and succeed, so they can truly relate to today’s players. We are pleased to welcome Michael, Sean, Dylan, Brendan, and Dave, and feel they will complement Head Coach Brett Hope very well,” added Kings President & General Manager Roop Chanderdat.
The Kings begin pre-season play in August.
