Mark Swayze Steps Down, Derek Ellis New Lakers Head Coach

Mark Swayze has stepped down as head coach of the Wallaceburg Lakers. Swayze will remain with the team in his GM role. Derek Ellis has been named the new head coach, with Ryan Paxton making the move from Dresden as an assistant.

The 3-27 Wallaceburg Lakers have been on the wrong end more often than not the last few seasons. Far more often than not.

The Lakers latest loss comes in the form of head coach Mark Swayze. Swayze, the General Manager and Head Coach coming into the season, had an uphill battle this year, but had a playoff berth in sight for the embattled franchise. About to miss the post-season for the fourth consecutive year, the playoffs are long out of reach.

Following a 10-1 loss to the Blenheim Blades on Sunday night; the second consecutive 10-1 drubbing for Wallaceburg, Swayze and the Lakers executive announced that the long-time Jr C coach, formerly at the reigns for Dresden, has stepped down. Swayze will remain in his General Manager position.

Dresden native Derek Ellis has been named the new head coach of the Lakers. No stranger to local rinks and former Dresden Jr Kings Assistant GM, Ellis was also a member of the Lakers coaching staff as recent as last year. Current Dresden assistant coach Ryan Paxton will make the move up Highway 78 to join Ellis on the bench, in the assistant role. Gregg Gorski will remain with the new Lakers bench boss.

Wallaceburg and Dresden will resume the Highway 78 series on Wednesday night in Wallaceburg. The game can be heard live on 99.1 CKXS and online at www.ckxsfm.com