The Airdrie Thunderís search for a new head coach has ended.
Team president and general manager Frank McEvoy announced on March 29 he has hired Airdrie resident Cameron Aplin as the Junior B squadís new bench boss, effective immediately.
ìThe Thunder have a long history of winning ñ and winning is what Iím all about,î said Aplin, 41, whose coaching resume includes five years in Edmontonís Capital City Junior B league, as well as several years with Bantam AAA and Midget AAA clubs.
ìI like the team and the core theyíve got. There are some real skill players and good speed, which is what I like to see. Iím really looking forward to it.î
McEvoy said he interviewed three others for the position, but Aplin stood out to him for his experience and knowledge.
ìWe actually made contact last summer, so heís been on my radar for awhile,î McEvoy said.
ìHe was at all our home games last year and a bunch of road ones too. Heís been watching the team for awhile, so he knows most of the players already.î
Former head coach Mike Carlsen was relieved of his duties following the Thunderís first-round playoff loss to the Mountainview Colts in February, as was assistant coach Gareth Barley. Carlsen was hired after Art Krusel was forced to leave because of medical reasons.
The teamís other assistant coach from last season, Brandon Miller, will return, while Aplin and McEvoy will seek another assistant during the summer months.
ìI think the team just needs some structure,î said Aplin, a vice president with FortisAlberta in its Calgary office and parent of two children in minor hockey and ringette.
ìItís been tough for them in the past two years with the instability. And I will bring that stability and work ethic. Coaching is in my blood.î
ìI thought we had a really good team last year, but I donít think the effort was there,î McEvoy said. ìCam will get prepared during the next month or so and he has a list of all the players and will be contacting them all.î
The Thunder will host a windup party and golf tournament in mid April, although no specifics have been announced. The team will open its 2012/13 training camp on Aug. 13.
