Tom Knight (President), Jeff Perry (Head Coach), Bob Williamson (General Manager)

Legionnaires Hire New Head Coach

by Andrew Brethauer
June 22, 2009
 

The Sarnia Legionnaires were left in a tough situation after Bill Abercrombie stepped down as Head Coach of the team, just after the Legionnaires won the GOJHL Western Conference Championship. Monday afternoon, the Legionnaires announced that Sarnia native Jeff Perry, would become the new Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. “Sarnia has always been home to us,” said Perry Monday afternoon. “This is where we plan on staying.”

Last season the Legionnaires set a high standard for themselves, and Perry knows exactly what the team is going to be striving for next season. “I have to give full credit to the organization last year,” Perry said, acknowledging the excellent work of former Coach Bill Abercrombie. “I am excited to be coaching at a higher level. We all know what we are striving for, but we have to enjoy the journey.”
 

Perry, a 6th round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1991 and a member of 1998 St. John Flames Calder Cup Finalists has had 8 years coaching experience in both the pro levels and OHL. Perry says he wants his team to play with emotion, hopefully to inspire the crowd at the Brock Street Sarnia Arena. “We are going to be a competitive team from whistle to whistle” Perry said, fore-warning opposing teams that coming to Brock Street won’t be a friendly game.

After the past season the Legionnaires are looking to continue their winning ways and defend their Western Conference Championship. With the signing of Jeff Perry as their new Head Coach, the Legionnaires continue to take steps forward in building a continued successful hockey club.