Former Lakers assistant coach Ryan Paxton has been named the PJHL club’s new head coach.
The Lakers released a statement on Wednesday morning, announcing the hiring. Paxton has Jr C experience as a previous assistant with both the Lakers and Dresden Jr Kings. Paxton was formerly behind the bench with the Lakers alongside Derek Ellis before their quick departure under the Byrne-Laus Hockey Corporation.
“I’m very excited to be back in the Stobbs Division,” Paxton told 99.1 CKXS. “Excited to get going on the remainder of this season and give every effort to push for that last spot.”
Despite another frustrating season, Paxton says he’s ready to rally the troops and believes the Lakers have the work ethic to compete within the division.
“We’ve seen any night in the mid league that anyone can win a game. I want to give the fans of Wallaceburg and our players some hope. And I want the boys to progress every shift. Every period and every game for the remainder of the year. The kids have had a rough season and it’s time to wipe the slate clean and start over.”
Shawn Simpson also returns with Paxton. Simpson was an assistant coach with the Lakers last year.
The Lakers sit last in the Stobbs Division with a 2-23 record. Wallaceburg hosts Petrolia tonight (Wed, Dec 13) and will pull three winners in their gas card draw. The grand prize is for $1,250 in gas.
