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BRYAN MAXWELL'S COACHING BRIGADE


Salmon Kings Booster Club

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The presence of a minor professional hockey team can be a postive influence in the development of the sport. Southern Vancouver Island is a prime example. Doug Anderson, a popular player with the old pro WHL Victoria Cougars became the head coach of the wildly succesful BCJHL Cougars of the late 1960s. Fourty years later we are seeing the impact of former Salmon Kings from the early years of the franchise in Victoria involved in coaching at various levels. Most played for Bryan Maxwell in the inaugural season of 2004-05. Working our way from the higher levels on down, former All-Star dman Steve Lindgren spent some time as a Salmon Kings assistant coach. When the player who scored the first ever home goal for the SKings, Ryan Wade hung up his skates, Coach Mark Morrison tapped Ryan Wade to be an assitant coach. Two other players have moved on to assistant roles in US college hockey. Brad Dexter, original team captain has returned to his alma mater to help Colgate hockey. A late training camp cut in 2006, Nolan Graham went on to assist with the BCJHL Nanaimo Clippers, then became the head coach of the Alberni Valley Bulldogs where he rejuvenited the fortunes of that franchise. This fall he has become an assistant at RPI. Up in Duncan, Dale Purinton, with lots of pro expereince is the head coach of the Cowichan Valley Capitals. His staff could be affectionatelly called a "Salmon King Mafia" with 04-05 teamates Mike Barrie (assistant) and Kelly Sheilds(Goalies) helping. The rival Victoria Grizzles have an ECHL veteran, Victor Gervais as bench boss. He played for the Hampton Roads Admirals under legendary coach John Brophy. This summer, Gervais recruited a former Salmon King defender. Brad Cook, to leave his VIJHL Jr B head coaching job with the Saanich Braves to be an assistant with the Grizzles. This opened the door for former SKings enforcer Robin Gomez to begin his coaching career with the Saanich Braves. David Brumby spent some time as goalie coach with the BCJHL Grizzlies, role now filled by Dean Whitney. Over in Alberta, 04-05 goalie Jamie McCaig is offically a goalie coach with the AJHL Grand Prairie Storm, goalie consultant for BCJHL Merrit and the new NAHL Dawson Creek Rage. McCaig is also an owner/instructor of Above The Crease goalteninding shools. Nate Forster spent time in the VIJHL as head coach of two teams, the Sooke Stingers and the Peninsula Panthers. Up in Nanaimo, Micheal Olson, the heart and sole of recent great Clipper teams has moved from the Idaho Steelheads to work as an assistant coach with his former Jr A team. One is struck by how many of the players of that initial 2004-2005 team coached by Bryan Maxwell are now helping to develop the players of the future.

BOOSTER CLUB MEETING--the October meeting will be at 6:30 pm Monday Oct 4 at SOFMC, in the boardroom near Gate 3.

SKATE---after the exhibiton game on the afternoon of Sunday Oct 10 there will be a Skate With The Salmon Kings. Tables will be set up to provide info and promote upcoming events at both games vs UBC.

GOLF IN LANGFORD--A junior member's event will see players assigned by the team joining junior members in a round of mini-golf at the Langford Fun Park adjacent to the Eagle Ridge centre.

SANTA IS COMING--on Sat Nov 20 we will once again have an entry into the annual Santa Claus Parade. Much of the fun is decorating the truck earlier in the day while listening to Pam's excellent collection of hockey related songs.

TRAINING CAMP----this weekend, the players who will battle for spots on this years Victoria Salmon Kings will gather for fitness testing at SOFMC, followed by the on ice sessions starting 10 am Monday, October 4. These sessions are open to the public.

ROAD TRIP---members of the Booster Club will make the annual trek to Idaho which will see us cheering on the Salmon Kings as they open their season in Boise.

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