Dresden Kings Hire Van Eerd As Head Coach, Dawson As General Manager

The Dresden Kings will have new leadership when the next PJHL season drops the puck.

Tom Van Eerd has been named the head coach of the Dresden Kings.
“It’s an honour and privilege to be named head coach of the Dresden Junior Kings,” Van Eerd, who had been serving as an assistant coach with the Kings told CKSN.ca. 

“The community of Dresden has always been a strong supporter of their team so it’s exciting to be able to be a part of that. Myself, and the rest of the coaching staff, are eager to get started and remain hopeful that we will have a successful season.”

Van Eerd’s new coaching staff includes Dan Veenema, Norm Logan, and Shawn Simpson.

Also joining the Dresden Jr. Kings staff is Chris Dawson, who will serve as the team’s new General Manager.

“Excited to join the Jr. Kings and optimistically hoping for a return to hockey this fall,” said Dawson of his hiring. 

“The Jr. Kings are a big supporter of the local community and promote a family atmosphere. I believe Junior C teams have a unique opportunity to work with young athletes looking to advance to the next level. The Jr. Kings have.a Very good history of promoting young athletes. We also get the opportunity to work with players finishing their Jr. experience where our goal is to help them excel on and off the ice, reach personal best and take leadership roles. For both, athletics is a vehicle to excel physically and learn valuable life lessons,” Dawson said. 

“Our goal is to help each athlete discover the power in themselves and take responsibility for their success and invest in themselves.  Anyone wanting to join the Jr. Kings family is invited to visit our website and register on our recruiting page.” 

The group replaces former head coach Rob Vanderydt, and general manager Jason Badder.