Muskie hockey coaching shoes need to be filled

The head coaching vacancy for the Fort Frances High School Muskie boys’ hockey team has still yet to be filled since Shane Bliss stepped down in April—and the response has been lukewarm at best to date.
“It’s not going good at all, I’ve just talked to one gentleman but there’s been no commitment so far, and I’m somewhat surprised,” Bliss said, whose main role is that of Fort High athletic director.
“Of course, guys have families, it is a big commitment, and a lot just can’t afford to miss out on that much work, so I don’t blame them,” he added.
“I know why they are holding back because it’s the same reason I’m getting out of it, but it’d be nice to have someone in place by now to discuss what tournaments to enter and other details,” Bliss noted.
Last year’s Muskies squad had a large contingent of Grade 12 players, and the new team will undoubtedly need a coach willing to instill confidence and patience into the younger players joining the program.
After six seasons behind the bench, and five-straight appearances at OFSAA, Bliss decided to hang up his coaching hat to commit more time to his family. He has two very young daughters at home and obviously felt it was a good time to step away.
“I need to be home a little more to be a bit more helpful around here,” Bliss said. “Six years doesn’t feel like too long, but I realized I’ve been coaching hockey every winter now for 16 years, so it will be weird to have a little bit of time off. I might be able to play hockey again.”
Bliss is a former Muskie hockey alumnus himself, having captured two OFSAA gold medals in 1986 and 1989, respectively.
“It won’t be so bad; maybe I’ll get a couple more hunting trips in but that’s yet to be determined,” Bliss said.
Bliss will still be involved in many aspects of the hockey program, making sure everything is taken care of for tournament trips and game scheduling, so the players only have to worry about playing hockey. He also has stepped into a coaching role with the high school golf team.