Chiefs assistant coach named GM and associate coach of rival Panthers

Lakefield Hendren Funeral Home Chiefs assistant coach Shawn Dunbar has been named as the new general manager and associate coach of the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Port Hope Panthers.

“It was a hard decision to leave. I sat on it for two weeks trying to figure out what to do,” Dunbar told The Examiner.

Dunbar, of Ennismore, had served for the past three seasons as assistant coach of the Chiefs, who won the PJHL’s Schmalz

Cup as Ontario Jr. C champions this past season.

“I am extremely excited to be joining one of the top organizations in the PJHL. The Port Hope Panthers have a history of success and operational excellence,” Dunbar stated.

The Panthers, coached by Brent Tupling, have reached the Schmalz Cup finals in three of the last four seasons, resulting in a rivalry with the Chiefs even though they are in different divisions.

Last month, a strategic alliance was formed between the Panthers and the Cobourg Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. Dunbar will also serve as assistant general manager of the Cougars.

“The alliance between the Cougars and the Panthers really peaked my interest in this role,” Dunbar stated.

“Working alongside (Cougars general manager) Adam Yahn, head coach Jerome Dupont and the entire Cougars staff in a fully integrated player and staff development model will better develop our prospects so they can move on to higher levels within hockey.”

Prior to joining the Chiefs, Dunbar coached the Peterborough Midget AAA Petes and the Whitby Minor Midget AAA Wildcats. Chiefs general manager Tyler Revoy told The Examiner he is working with Chiefs head coach Jamie Arcand to have a new assistant coach in place in the coming weeks, with the Chiefs opening their training camp late next month.

“Jamie has narrowed in on a few candidates, now it’s just finding the right fit for the team,” Revoy stated.