Degagne steps down as major midget Kings coach to take similar role with SIJHL’s North Stars

hunder Bay Kings AAA Hockey

Media Update

Release date: Monday, May 15, 2017

Degagne steps down as major midget Kings coach to take similar role with SIJHL’s North Stars
Nicholas named new major midget bench boss

THUNDER BAY, Ont. – The Thunder Bay AAA Kings announced Monday that major midget head coach Rob Degagne has stepped down from his role with the club to accept a similar position with the Thunder Bay North Stars of the Superior International Junior Hockey League, effective immediately.

In lieu of the change, Kings’ President and director of hockey operation Gary Linquist has announced that long-time coach Darrin Nicholas has been appointed the major midgets new head coach.

“I worked with Rob for close to two years with the major midget Kings Program and got to see his effect on our team firsthand,” offered Linquist. |

“With Rob’s ability to maximize the potential of the players in our program, the number of players they have now with junior team interest and the value he has brought back into our program in such a short time, I feel the move at this point in Rob’s coach career is a positive, not only for the North Stars, but also for the Kings organization as it shows we develop not only players but coaches as well.”

As for the naming of Nicholas to return as head coach of the major midgets, the team will be in capable hands.

“Darrin knows the program, the system we run and what is expected, stated Linquist.

He has coached for many years in Thunder Bay and we’re confident he’ll continue the success Rob had with the team the past couple of seasons,” added the Kings’ President.

The major midget Kings will serve as the host team for the 2018 TELUS Cup West Regional next April at Fort William First Nation Arena.

Tryouts for all four Kings’ clubs will run May 24-28 at FWFNA.

For more information, visit thunderbaykings.com.