Barron to return to lead Wild
THE Widnes Wild ice hockey team this week announced that the most successful player-coach in the team’s history, Ollie Barron – who has secured back-to-back playoff trophies – is to return for the 2018-19 campaign.
“I’m delighted to be back with the Wild for a third season,” Barron said.
“I have really enjoyed my last two seasons as player-coach for the Wild. I believe we have made progression over the two seasons while I have been in charge as coach, and I am looking forward to building my team for the 2018-19 season. Widnes have been very good to me, and there’s no other club I would want to play for in the upcoming season. ●
“I’m also pleased to announce Mark Gillingham, assistant coach, has agreed to continue in his role.
“This was very important, as Mark is a crucial part of the coaching team.
“General manager Mike Teinert will also continue his role with the club, which is very important. We will be holding an open trial in the upcoming weeks for any players who are interested in joining the Wild and potential players are asked keep an eye out on social media and the Wild website for the dates.”
A delighted team GM Teinert added: “After such an amazing season with mostly highs, a few lows ultimately culminating in an amazing, heart-stopping and, for me, emotionally breaking weekend of the playoffs, it did not take me longer than a second to agree to stay on in the position of GM for the 2018-19 season. I’ll look forward to working closely on and off the ice with Ollie and Gilly during the season and look forward to welcoming back some familiar faces and meeting some new ones at the same time. In sport, you always set your goals high and I can honestly say as a team we will be looking for the league and playoff double next season.”