NEED TO KNOW

Canadian Junior Hockey League coach of the year

What – Recognizes the top coach in Canada’s junior A league, which is comprised of the 10 member leagues across the country, including the Maritime Junior Hockey League.

The latest – Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals head coach Billy McGuigan is this year’s recipient. He led the Caps to 42-7-1-2 record, good for top spot in the Maritime Junior Hockey League and second in the national rankings when the season was halted by the coronavirus (COVID-19 strain) pandemic.

History – The award was created in 2012-13 and McGuigan was a finalist that season as well. He is the only Maritime league coach to be a finalist for the award.

No I in team – While McGuigan’s name will be on the award, he said it is a team recognition. It includes general manager Pat McIver, governor Todd Richard and coaches Jason (Lefty) Gallant, Jason Gallant and Eric Morency. The support staff includes Joe Borden (strength and conditioning coach), Rod Gallant (analytics), the training staff led by John Blanchard and head scout Justin Harrison. Former assistant coach Thomas Waugh also played a key role in helping grow the Caps into the perennial contender.

Previous winners

2018-19 – Blake Spiller, Portage Terriers (Manitoba).

2017-18 – Tyler Deis, Okotoks Oilers (Alberta).

2016-17 – Greg Walters, Georgetown Raiders (Ontario).

2015-16 – Blake Spiller, Portage Terriers (Manitoba).

2014-15 – Blake Spiller, Portage Terriers (Manitoba).

2013-14 – Jason McKee, Spruce Grove Saints (Alberta).

2012-13 – Ryan Papaioannou, Brooks Bandits (Alberta) .

Did you know? The award is named in honour of Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross, who died in the Humboldt Broncos’ bus crash

in 2018.

Presentation – The award will be formally presented during the NHL Coaches’ Association online global coaches’ clinic. McGuigan said: “Summerside has the best fan base in the world for junior hockey.”