Ghostriders hire a new Head Coach and General Manager

The Ghostriders search for a Head Coach and General Manager is over now and Jeff Wagner is the guy... he was selected from about 20 applicants.

Sounds like the team is in good hands.

Press release...eerily similar to this story 

Wagner was in Creston last season but Rider fans have probably never heard of him and that’s mostly because the KIJHL does not actively promote their coaches. If I had my way when you went to the KI site and clicked on a team’s stats, all the players along with the coaching and training staff would be listed. I just don’t get it...

Anyway... Wagner was with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats for the last two seasons, first as an assistant coach then last year he was an associate coach and assistant general manager.

Jeff started his coaching career in Calgary a few years ago as an assistant coach with the AA Calgary North Stars then moved up to become the Head Coach of CBHA Blackhawks in the Calgary Buffaloes Hockey Association. 

Jeff also doubled as Creston’s Southern Alberta scout during the 2015-16 season and if you remember Creston was loaded with talent that Wagner helped bring to Creston when they were hosting the Cyclone Taylor Cup two years ago.

Jeff is 28 years old and from Calgary where he has recruited several players, so he should have a good read on many of the the upcoming players that end up in the KIJHL in the next few months.

When Jeff was in Creston he coached with former Thunder Cat Head Coach and GM Jeff Dubois. So I asked Dubois, who is now coaching in the Jr A BCHL with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs about Wagner.

Jeff Dubois
"Jeff has all the qualities to be a tremendous Head Coach in the KIJHL and lead a winning program. He’s a very hard worker who will put everything into the job."

"Jeff is an excellent recruiter who develops genuine relationships with players and earns their trust and respect. He was a huge part of our success in Creston when we hosted the Cyclone Taylor Cup and I think he’s a great choice to run his own team!"

I also asked Lee Stone who is the HC and GM of the Campbell River Storm, they are perennial VIJHL Jr B Champions and will be playing in the Cyclone Taylor Cup this weekend.

Lee Stone

"I got to know ‘Wags’ while he was working with Jeff Dubois in Creston Valley during the 2016-2017 season. Seeing his effort to produce a top flight Cyclone Taylor Cup tournament showed me that he was willing to do whatever it took. His Alberta connections will fit in perfectly in Fernie in an area where cornering the market in Alberta prospects is so key. 
Above and beyond everything he brings the organization on the ice, off the ice he is just a really good guy. Wants to do good by the kids, see them succeed. I know I wish him the best of luck and hope to see him take the program to high levels of success.

And finally... Kimberley, Delta, Campbell River and the host team Richmond are all in the Cyclone Taylor Cup this weekend. Im told this year’s tournament will feature some of the best teams this tournament has seen in a while.