Gib Tucker has stepped forward to put in his application to coach the local Midget “AA” Canadians hockey team this season, the Times learned yesterday morning.
The team, to begin its second season, was left without a coach after Dave Allison resigned to accept a position behind the bench with the Fort Wayne Komets of the United Hockey League.
The Fort Frances Minor Hockey Association is expected to look at Tucker’s application within the next few days and make a decision at next Monday’s board meeting. It’s also expected the board will agree to allow him to take the helm.
Tucker, a former Muskie and Ontario Hockey League player, has had great success coaching the local KC PeeWee rep team in years past.
Tucker could not be reached for comment yesterday but Dave Egan, a FFMHA board member, said they’re pleased to have a coach of his calibre apply for the job.
“Certainly Gib has proven himself. He’s good with the kids, and he will bring [coaching] experience,” Egan noted yesterday morning.
“It would be a good move to have Gib there, he has a good reputation and he’s done well with the team’s he has coached,” Lynn Kellar, local minor hockey association president, added.
The Canadians once again will be an affiliate of the Midget house league, with the top players making up the team to play in exhibition games and tournaments.
Egan said the rep team gives players a chance to play at a higher level of hockey than offered here in town.
While the team had a decent showing last season in terms of wins and losses, the local program earned added respectability when several players were invited to Manitoba Junior ‘A’ camps.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
