Blades To Replace Head Coach Ken Shine

New Blenheim Blades general manager Lonnie Hamilton made his first significant move this week announcing that head coach Ken Shine will not be returning for the 2017-18 Provincial Junior Hockey League Stobbs Division season.

Shine was the Blades head coach last season, and was also an assistant coach on the then head-coach Bob McNear’s 2015-16 and 2012-13 teams.

New GMs often make staff changes when taking over a team in all sports.

“I have officially notified Ken Shine this morning (Sunday) that we have released him from his coaching position with the Blades organization,” said Hamilton.

“I explained to Ken that with my new appointment that I wanted to bring in a coach of my choosing and vision. I respect the job that Ken and his associates did with the Blades, and the class in which they did it, however, I want to move in a new direction and will be interviewing some candidates this week before naming a replacement.

“I have notified his assistant coaches and told them that I would make sure that they would be in a conversation with the new coach if they wished to return. Ken was definitely disappointed because of the time and effort that he put into the organization, but was accepting and professional in our conversation. I wish Ken great success in his future hockey positions. ”

Hamilton, who replaced longtime GM Wayne Cowell when he stepped down in late March, did not indicate who he has in mind to take over the team’s head coaching position, but obviously has some candidates in mind and, as mentioned, current assistant coaches Bill Cumming, Evan Merritt, Tyler Clarke goalie coach Bino Pereira are all possibilities.

Cowell’s last official duty with the Blades will be in June after the Stobb’s Division’s annual AGM. Any hockey decisions to be made for the upcoming 2017-18 season will be the responsibility of the new GM.

The Blades will hit the ice for two invitation-only skates Thursday, April 20 and Thursday, April 27 at the Blenheim arena.