The Cochrane Generals have a new head coach and general manager - a heavy hitter who is coming home to Alberta after years of working with elite hockey teams.
The Cochrane Generals have a new head coach and general manager - a heavy hitter who is coming home to Alberta after years of working with elite hockey teams.
"For me, it's a homecoming," said Derek Donald, whose parents have lived in Cochrane for 25 years. "It's nice to be back up in God's country."
The Generals announced yesterday that Donald will take over the position left vacant earlier this year by former head coach Dan Gendur, who left the team for a job with the CFR Chemicals Midget AAA Bisons.
Donald will also fill the role of general manager, as current GM Jacqueline Hurlbert is moving on to the club's board of directors.
For the last three years, Donald has been responsible for developing and directing the youth and adult hockey programs as the hockey manager for the San Jose Sharks' Sharks Ice Oakland ice center, the official practice facility of the NHL team, as well as coach with the San Jose Junior Sharks AAA Midget program. He's also served in scouting and player development for the Nashville Predators, and worked as hockey director and coach with the Seattle Junior Hockey Association.
Donald's resume as a player is also impressive, logging more than 400 games in the AHL, IHL, ECHL and WCHL leagues, as well as Div. I College University of Alaska Anchorage team, and on the USA National U17 team.
In 2006, Donald was inducted into the University of Alaska Anchorage Athletic Hall of Fame and he served as the school's director of hockey operations in 2009 and 2010.
Yesterday, Donald said he was thrilled to learn of the open head coach position at a time when he was ready to settle down in his new home in GlenEagles.
"The timing was right," said Donald. "Ever since I got into coaching and administration, the key for me has always been about developing people ... I thought it was a great opportunity to work with some kids. My first priority is going to be to schedule a time to sit down with all the players."
Hurlbert said Donald's application stood out amongst the rest of the applicants for his wealth of hockey knowledge and experience. His connection to Alberta (Hurlbert said he's originally from here; his parents are from here) also helped the Gens to make their decision as they were looking for a coach who would offer some stability and stay with the team more long-term.
“He's been in the rat race for a while now and he's taking a break from that … He's someone who can take what we've built and continually improve the organization, ” she said. “He's going to be instrumental in taking over all the responsibilities. He has the experience and the passion - and that is a great fit for us. ”
Donald has already taken over the positions and Hurlbert said she and the rest of the staff are “in the midst of peppering him with information ” about players, league intricacies and more.
While Hurlbert's own departure from a more active role in the club is “bittersweet, ” she said she is happy to still stay involved with the Gens while continuing her work as director of marketing and sponsorship with the AJHL's Canmore Eagles.
“If I had gone up against Derek Donald for the position there's no chance I would have been involved with the organization, ” she said with a laugh. “I really feel comfortable. ”
