Cole Armstrong will be the first head coach in the history of the Kamloops NorthPaws.

The team announced the hiring of the 37-year-old Surrey native today, making him the only current Canadian head coach in the West Coast League.

“It’s a dream come true to return to British Columbia to do what I love,” said Armstrong. “I’d like to thank the city of Kamloops along with the new owners of the NorthPaws for including me in this opportunity to set a new standard on and off the field in the West Coast League.”

“I am excited to bring future Major League stars to Norbrock Stadium and with it, the chance for young fans to interact with them in a setting that only the West Coast League is able to provide.”

Prior to joining the NorthPaws, Armstrong was working in the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) system serving as a hitting coach and manager with the Chicago White Sox organization since 2014.

He was awarded the 2016 Charles Lubin Award, given by the White Sox to a member of the player development staff who demonstrates superior judgment, player communication, motivation, and teaching skills in the pursuit of excellence.

He also represented Canada internationally from 1999 to 2012 and won a gold medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Mexico and a bronze medal at the 2009 IBAF World Cup in Panama.

“We are so pleased to have a person with Cole’s experience and character to lead our team,” NorthPaws co-owner Jon Pankuch said. “From our first communications with him, we could see his passion for the game and the dedication that he has to the players.”

The NorthPaws were unveiled a month ago on Sept. 9, and the team is tentatively scheduled to begin playing next June.