Duncan, BC – The Cowichan Valley Capitals Junior A hockey club would like to announce changes to the hockey staff ahead of the 2017-18 hockey season, including naming Brian Passmore as the team’s new Head Coach and General Manager.
The 37-year-old Passmore has spent the past two seasons as the Head Coach of Shawnigan Lake School’s Bantam Prep Hockey Team. He takes over for Bob Beatty, who has resigned after spending the past four seasons as the Capitals Head Coach and General Manager.
Beatty came to the Cowichan Valley ahead of the 2013-14 season, after a combined 17 years as a Head Coach in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL). His head coaching accolades include two trips to RBC Cup, including winning the National Junior A championship in 2003 with the Humboldt Broncos. The Capitals wish Bob all the best in his future.
Prior to his two-year tenure in Shawnigan, Passmore spent three years as a Head Coach in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL): two years as the Peninsula Panthers Head Coach and General Manager (2012-14), and one as the Westshore Wolves Head Coach (2014-15). Passmore has also been the owner of Passmore Hockey for four years, and has been an Associate Player Representative with Norton Sports Management for three years.
A former player, Passmore was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 NHL entry draft to the Minnesota Wild, and played more than 300 combined professional games between 2003-2009. After four years playing in the OHL, Passmore played two seasons in the CIS at the University of Prince Edward Island, before turning pro in 2003-04.
Furthermore, the Capitals would like to announce that Dan Whiteford will be returning for a second season as an Assistant Coach. It was announced at the team’s annual awards banquet in March that Rob DeClark, who spent six seasons with the Capitals, will not be returning for a seventh year behind the bench. DeClark was an Assistant Coach and spearheaded the BCHL’s Talk Today initiative, partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association.
As well, Assistant General Manager Darren Rodney, who has long been involved with the Capitals, will have an expanded role, being named the team’s Director of Hockey Operations. In this capacity, Rodney will work collaboratively with Passmore on matters regarding player personnel.
To purchase seasons tickets or tickets to any Capitals home game, visit the box office or call 250-748-9930, or email Marie Ruzesky at marie.ruzesky@cowichancapitals.com, or Scott Yanko at scott.yanko@cowichancapitals.com.
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