Former longtime St. Thomas Stars head coach Ron Horvat has been named the new head coach of the GOJHL’s Chatham Maroons.
The Maroons organization made it Facebook official this morning, adding that the 52-year-old brings tremendous coaching experience to the position.
Ron, uncle of the Vancouver Canucks’ Bo Horvat, was at the helm of the St. Thomas organization from 2008 to 2015, where he also acted as part owner of the club. His tenure with the Stars includes a Western Conference Championship in 2010-11. Horvat’s GOJHL history runs deep, back to his playing days in St Thomas from 1984-86, including a stint as assistant captain and a league championship. Horvat spent three years as a scout for the OHL’s Sault Ste Marie Greyhounds, and has been behind the bench for the Central Elgin Express of the SOJHL and the London Nationals of the former WOHL.
The Maroons relieved former head coach Brian Verbeek of his duties on December 20th.
Bob Burroughs and Ryan Hope are expected to remain with the club as assistants.
Chatham is currently tied for second in the West alongside London with a record of 23-8-0-1.
The Maroons travel to St. Mary’s on Friday.