The Kamloops Blazers have announced that hiring of Don Hay as an Associate Coach.
Hay rejoins the Blazers organization after spending the past four seasons with the Portland Winterhawks organization, replacing Mark Holick who parted ways with the Blazers at the end of the 2021-22 season.
The Kamloops native has a vast amount of experience coaching all levels of hockey, having started his coaching career as an Assistant Coach with the Blazers in 1985-86.
“It probably didn’t end the way I wanted it to [four years ago],” Hay said Monday. “I had some questions, we talked about it. I got answers and was satisfied.”
“I’d like to thank Mike Johnston and Michael Kramer for the opportunity to come back to Kamloops. It was unexpected. I’m here to assist [Blazers Head Coach and GM] Shaun [Clouston] however possible and help the hockey club. He’s done a great job. It’s great to come back to the community.”
The winningest coach in WHL history with 750 career wins, Hay has won four Memorial Cups and seven WHL Championships. Three of those Memorial Cup wins – 1992, 1994, and 1995 – were with Kamloops with Hay also leading the Vancouver Giants to a Memorial Cup title in 2007.
“We are thrilled to welcome Don back to the hockey club,” Clouston said.
“Don has a wealth of knowledge and experience in our league. We believe he will be a positive contributor to our team as we continue to build on our recent success over the past few seasons.”
Tuesday morning, the Blazers also announced they’ve extended Clouston’s contract.
The Viking, Alta. native has been the Head Coach of the Blazers since 2019 and took on the dual role of Head Coach and GM last summer. During his three seasons in Kamloops, Clouston has amassed a record of 107-39-6-1 as the Blazers won three straight B.C. Division titles.
Clouston also has 498 career WHL wins as a Head Coach which is first among all active WHL coaches.
My conversation with Don Hay as he comes back to the Blazers to be the Associate Coach. How it came together, a new role he relishes and letting bygones be bygones. #Kamloops
LISTEN: https://t.co/Xj2AMNqQS8— Jon Keen (@JonKeenNLSports) August 2, 2022
