There will be a new face behind the Moose Jaw Warriors bench this upcoming season.
Alan Millar, General Manager of the Warriors announced on Thursday that the hockey club hired Mark O’Leary as the new assistant coach.
O’Leary will replace Trevor Weisgerber, who spent the last two season as the assistant coach.
“Trevor wasn’t coming back this year and we were looking for a new assistant coach,” stated Mike Stothers, head coach of the Warriors. “We were looking for a young guy that was looking for an opportunity.”
O’Leary played for eight years, including 218 games in the Ontario Hockey League with the Mississauga Ice Dogs (2003-04) and Guelph Storm (2004-06). He also played five years for various teams within the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League and the Central Hockey League.
“We think he is going to be a real good fit for us,” said Stothers.
Stothers personally knows O’Leary and his family from his days coaching in the OHL.
“I’ve known Mark for a number of years and know his family well from when he played in the Ontario League with Mississauga and Guelph,” said Stothers. “I know his work ethic and commitment and passion. He is definitely a guy that is eager and wants to be a coach.”
O’Leary is more than happy to get this opportunity, especially with knowing Stothers to help make the transition to Moose Jaw easier.
“It’s a great opportunity. When I ended my playing career, I knew I always wanted to get back into coaching and when this opportunity came along, I knew it was perfect and I couldn’t wait to jump in,” said O’Leary.
The Owen Sound, Ont. native played left wing throughout his playing career and is looking forward to working with some of the younger players.
“I think this is a perfect fit with a young team. I can bring that youthful energy and enthusiasm to the rink every day,” said O’Leary. “It wasn’t that long along that I stopped playing and I know that I love coming to the rink everyday.”
For more on this story, read an upcoming edition of the Times-Herald.
