Dryden GM Ice Dogs Head Coach Kurt Walsten isn’t going anywhere.
The coach that has led the Ice Dogs to consecutive Bill Salonen Cup finals has inked a new three year deal.
Walsten says he’s thrilled to be asked to come back for a long-term period.
He says it’s a great community and a great group of volunteers, fans and executive.
Walsten calls it a perfect relationship.
He stresses scouting is already underway with a couple of commitments already secured.
The starting date to sign players is June 1st.
Walsten says he had a great team last year and he wants the same kind of players that are committed to the game and the community.
Walsten will also serve as General Manager, replacing Brian Bates.
Mike Sveinson is back as President and he thanked Brian Bates for his time as GM, noting he has decided to step away.
Sveinson says Bates will still be actively involved in the organization.
He stresses it’s nice to have some stability within the organization, noting the future looks bright.
The Ice Dogs executive basically hasn’t changed and Sveinson says the focus will continue to be financial stability and keeping a quality team on and off the ice.
The Dryden GM Ice Dogs held their annual General Meeting Thursday night.
Meantime, the SIJHL champion Fort Frances Lakers finished the Dudley Hewitt Cup without a win.
The Lakers dropped their final game 3-0 to Trenton.
The Golden Hawks had already booked their ticket to the final.
Trenton will play the winner of Friday’s Semi-Final between the Soo Thunderbirds and Kirkland Lake Gold Miners.
