Ice Wolves hire Shawn Martin as their new Head Coach/GM

The La Ronge Ice Wolves are extremely proud to announce that they have hired Shawn Martin as their new Head Coach/GM

Martin comes to La Ronge from the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he held roles as assistant coach, assistant general manager, and most recently as the head scout.

“We’re very pleased to have Shawn join our club,” said Club President Terry Helary. “We’ve come through a competitive process with an excellent candidate.  With a new coach, and new players coming in, we’re excited about the next season.”

Martin played junior hockey and also four years in college hockey in Alberta, before a two-year stint of minor pro in the States.  He then stepped behind the benches back in Alberta, including coaching/management duties with three AJHL teams: the Storm, the St. Albert Steel, and Sherwood Park Crusaders.  He’s helped his players move on to careers in minor pro leagues, and in college hockey on both sides of the border.

“I’m very excited about this opportunity,” said Martin. “La Ronge has built up an impressive hockey history, and I look forward to working with the team, management and community to make the next chapter a good one.”

Martin takes over the helm from Bob Beatty, who left earlier this spring to become coach of the Cowichan Capitals in B.C.’s junior league.  Beatty coached the Wolves to two championships in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in 9 years, but the team finished out of the playoffs last year.

The Wolves have a solid start on rebuilding for the 2013-14 campaign.  With most of their blueliners eligible to return, the team has now added goaltender Alex Wakaluk – last year’s league MVP – as part of a trade deal struck last winter with the Melville Millionaires.

Martin will be arriving in La Ronge later this month.

For more information, contact president Terry Helary at 306 425 7501 or Shawn Martin at 780 893 0535