Back from the Break

Monday, January 2, 2012

Back from the Break

Happy New Year to everyone it's great to be back to hockey. The players returned to practise on the evening of Dec 30th and we eagerly anticipate the start of the second half.

Christmas was good to all and the players seem rested and reinvigorated for a run at the Enerflex Cup. While it was great to see family and friends, work was required during the break. Assistant Coach Tom Keca and I travelled to Boston to scout 24 Tier One Midget teams and 2 of our scouts attended the Mac's midget tournament in Calgary all in an effort to find players for next season. Our Trainer Peter Spiers travelled to Mexico during the break but it's doubtful we would receive any players from his trip.

Good news on the injury front as Kevin Lacroix had the screws removed from his ankle and is hopeful to return to the ice within 2 weeks.

Coach

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HEAD COACH - Gord Thibodeau

A two-time AJHL Coach of the Year, Gord Thibodeau brings an abundance of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the Fort McMurray Oil Barons Hockey Club.

He began coaching the Oil Barons in 2003-04 after previous coaching duties with AJHL clubs Lloydminster Blazers and St. Albert Saints. In his first three seasons as the Oil Barons bench boss, Thibodeau led the Oil Barons to the AJHL finals in each year, eventually capturing the AJHL's highest crown in 2005-06.

With 11 years experience, Coach Thibodeau brings with him great acclaim and numerous awards. He boasts pleasure from arriving at the rink each day and continues to have a tremendous love of the game.

Thibodeau has not only contributed to the sport of hockey as a coach, but also as a player. An AJHL hockey veteran, Thibodeau played for four years with the Fort Saskatchewan Traders, and also spent four years with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. With such strong passion for the game, coaching seems like a natural extension, but it also allows him to give something back to the sport. He commits himself to the game and to the team and expects no less from the players.

"I expect the players to make a commitment to improve and develop," says Thibodeau. "I want to see them grow and move forward, but our goal remains the same as every year; we want to be the best in the league."

Thibodeau is quick to recognize the importance of the invaluable contributions made by the community. Support received both corporately and from fans continues to contribute to the success of the Oil Barons Hockey Club.

"We take pride in providing a great product for our fans," says Thibodeau. "In my opinion, we are already one of the best teams in the league," and the Fort McMurray Oil Barons are eager to prove it. Speed, skill and tenacity are key attributes Coach Thibodeau demands to see from his players.