Assistant coach Geoff Grimwood is moving on from the Winkler Flyers for a position as the head coach and general manager of the BCHL’s Cowichan Valley Capitals. Grimwood came to the Flyers at the beginning of January after spending the first half of the season with the Swan Valley Stampeders.
Statement from Flyers head coach Kelvin Cech: “I’m really sad to see Grimmer go, but it’s an excellent opportunity for him to lead his own program just down the driveway from his home in Victoria. Selfishly I’d love him to stay, but I’m happy we got to be a part of his coaching journey. He was a huge help for us down the stretch, the plan now is to beat him in an RBC at some point.”
In addition to Swan Valley, Grimwood has spent time as a head coach with the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL and the West Kelowna Warriors of the BCHL. Cowichan Valley was looking for a head coach after the departure of Mike Vandekamp. Grimwood said that the process was very quick, adding that he actually left his skates and other gear in Winkler.
Statement from Geoff Grimwood: “I would like to thank the Winkler Flyers for allowing me to pursue this position in Cowichan. My time in Winkler was some of the most enjoyable of my career. It is a first class organization that I know has a lot of success in the past and coming up in the future. The people in Winkler made me feel welcome and I will always cherish my time there. In particular, I would like to thank GM Jeff Jeanson, Head Coach Kelvin Cech, Head Scout Mike McAulay, Trainer Kerry Wilson and all of the players. I wish the Flyers all the best in the future.”