Ken Shine hired as Lakers head coach & GM

The Wallaceburg Lakers have hired Ken Shine as their new head coach and general manager.

Lakers officials say Shine has also joined the Lakers’ ownership team.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to return to Wallaceburg and bring this organization back to success, both on the ice and as members of the community,” Shine said in a media release.

“Wallaceburg is a great community, with strong hockey roots, and we’re committed to keeping the Lakers as a major part of this town.”

Shine added: “We need the community to get behind the Lakers to make this a successful team, and in return, we’ll be giving back to the town in any way we can.”

Shine has previously served as head coach for the Lakers. He has also coached the Blenheim Blades.

Joining Shine on the Wallaceburg bench this season will be a pair of individuals with head coaching experience, as Bob McNear and Ryan Paxton will serve as assistant coaches.

Paxton finished the season as head coach of the Wallaceburg Lakers last year, while McNear was a long time member of the Blenheim Blades organization.

The Lakers also hired experienced trainer, Jenn Gordon of Sarnia, who has worked with both the Sarnia Legionnaires and Point Edward Pacers.

Caleb Coatsworth will also return as statistician and video analysis.

Returning to his position as assistant general manager and president will be Darryl Lucio.

“We believe this is the strongest and most stable coaching staff the Lakers have had in several years,” stated Lucio.

“We aim to develop young hockey players, both on and off the ice, and to become the winning team that Wallaceburg deserves.”

Lucio added: “We know it will still be a process, but this coaching staff is a step in the right direction for achieving our ultimate goals. With our staff in place, it’s time to get down to work.”

The Lakers finished with a 3-37-0-0 record last season, last in the West Stobbs Division of the Provincial Junior Hockey League.

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