Press Release
Espanola, On.
The Espanola Express are proud to announce that Head Coach Dave Clancy has signed a 2 year contract extension and will be returning as bench boss after his first season with the Express . Clancy’s hard work and determination has paid off in dividends and he has been rewarded with the extension of his contract.
In his first year with the Express Coach Clancy has added some much needed on ice systems structure and has worked tirelessly at changing the culture within the dressing room. Express management feels Clancy did an incredible overall job this past season and were pleased with the advancement of the team within their complete rebuild season.
With only 3 returning players at the beginning of last season Clancy went to work with his almost all rookie squad. The Express had an expected rough start as the twenty new players adjusted to the level of play and expectations, but pulled it together and had a strong second half of the season, being arguably one of the most improved teams in the league. Under Clancy’s guidance the Express posted several personal and team franchise records, including most goals scored, most home wins, best power play percentage, most power play goals in a single season, as well as several personal player franchise records. Including these milestones, the Express also produced a NCAA D1 commitment when Express player Chase Lammi committed to St Lawrence University. Also joining Lammi in the D1 ranks is previous season player Tristan Poissant, who also committed this season to the NCAA D1 Maine Black Bears.
“Clancy did an incredible job this season and lived up to expectations for where we were in a rebuild season. He laid a very exciting foundation for the upcoming years. We very much look forward to where this team will go with several key players returning next season, we have not had that luxury here,” commented GM Chad Clarke.
To start the 2019-2020 season, Clancy will also be taking over the position of Director of Hockey operations and will oversee all hockey aspects for the Express. With his experience and proven track record, Clancy will strengthen the teams management and help further the process of becoming a consistent contender year after year by taking over his additional role.
Joining Clancy to return for the 2019-2020 season will be Clayton Bertrand, who held the position of Associate Coach last year. For the upcoming season, Bertrand will shift his focus from coaching to the head office as he will fill the role of Assistant general Manager and will work hand in hand with GM Chad Clarke for the 19-20 season. Bertrand’s experience and knowledge will also aid in strengthening upper management for the Express.
“I believe we took care of the improvements and adjustments we needed on ice this past season and those seeds will continue to grow. This year we identified how spread thin we were in the upper management department, it was basically a one man show. I can’t be happier to have two guys that I respect and trust to be helping and taking their share of the head office work load. Success trickles from the top down and we now have a very strong management group,” added Clarke.
Also returning for another season will be Assistant Coach Lucas Wiebenga for his third year with the Express. In the role of Game day co-coordinator and promotions will be Grant Trayner, who will focus on creating a great game day experience. Team NOHA, OHL Gold Cup and Espanola Express trainer Chris Seguin will be back for his second season, joined by fellow trainer Don Beauchamp who will be participating in his 5th season with the Express. Also legendary equipment manager Brian Workman will be bringing decades of experience for his second season with the Express. Joining Workman will also be Jeff Panimick who will be entering his fifth season. Joining the Express for his first season will be Alex Huard who will be taking on the roles of Strength and Conditioning Coach as well as Goalie coach. The 2007 Belleville Bull goalie draft pick has experience at the University level for strength and conditioning.
Espanola Express will be holding their only Northern Ontario tryout camp on May 11-12th in Sudbury at the Gerry McCrory Countryside arena. For more information or to register visit www.www.espanolapaperkings.com/tryout-camp
