The Lloydminster Junior A Bobcats Hockey Association announced Wednesday that the team has added six new individuals to their coaching staff for the upcoming hockey season. Kyle Tapp and Dan Nadeau have been hired as the team’s Assistant Coaches, Kim Fleming has been hired as the team’s Physical Therapist and Equipment Manager, Wayne Labrie has been hired as the team’s Southern Alberta Scout, Greg Leniuk has been hired as the team’s Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan Scout, and Scott Lumbard will serve as the team’s volunteer Education Director.
Kyle Tapp comes to the Bobcats organization with ten years of previous coaching experience, including two years as the head coach of the Lloydminster AAA Midget Bobcats and two years with the Olds Grizzlies. Kyle is also the owner and lead instructor of Innovative Hockey Development, an instructor-led training and conditioning program for individual hockey players. “I look forward to doing everything in my power to make the Bobcats organization one of the most reputable programs in Canada. I would like to thank Brian for the opportunity to work alongside and learn from a coach with such a distinguished pedigree,” said Kyle.
Dan Nadeau comes to the Bobcats organization after playing hockey in Europe in Germany’s Oberliga. Dan spent the last season coaching the Maple Leaf Athletic Club Midget AA team, earning Coach of the Year honours. “I am very excited to take the next step in my coaching career and look forward to working with Brian and Kyle to keep building on the Bobcats’ success this past season. I would like to thank Brian and the Bobcats for giving me this opportunity,” said Dan.
Kim Fleming comes to the Bobcats organization after spending five years as the physical therapist and equipment manager with the Olds Grizzlies. Kim attained her Bachelor of Physical Education from the University of Alberta before attaining her Certified Athletic Therapist certificate from Sheritan College. “I am very excited to be a part of the Bobcats organization. This is an awesome opportunity for me to help make this team a contender for many years to come,” said Kim.
Wayne Labrie comes to the Bobcats organization with nine years of experience as a head coach and general manager at the Junior A level. Prior to joining the Bobcats, Wayne was a scout in the BCHL after finishing his junior hockey career with the New Westminster Bruins of the WHL. “I would like to thank Brian and the Lloydminster Bobcat organization for giving me the opportunity to identify and evaluate potential prospects. I believe my network of contacts at all levels as well as my past experience as a former head coach and general manager at the Junior A level will help build momentum to us reaching our team and organizations goals going forward,” said Wayne.
Greg Leniuk comes to the Bobcats organization with seven years of experience as a scout in the AJHL. Greg has previously scouted for the Camrose Kodiaks, Sherwood Park Crusaders as well as the Grande Prairie Storm, and spent his junior hockey career in Yorkton. “I am very excited to join the Lloydminster Bobcats. I am looking forward to helping the Bobcats reach their goal of being a championship hockey club by working closely with coach Curran, his coaches and rest of the hockey operations staff in identifying existing as well as future talent in addition to promoting the values and positive attributes of playing Jr. A hockey in Lloydminster,” said Greg.
When the Friends of the Bobcats ownership group formed its board of directors, Scott Lumbard stepped up to be the team’s Education Director. Scott will bring a wealth of educational knowledge to the Bobcats hockey players as a result of his current position as a Physical Education Teacher at Holy Rosary High School and his involvement in numerous high school sports programs. Scott will help to ensure Bobcats players are better prepared for the next step of their academic and athletic careers. “I’m very excited about joining the Bobcats organization and helping the players achieve their educational goals. The educational opportunities we provide will play a big part in the success of future recruitment and promotion of Bobcat players. Being a part of the Board of Directors is also going to be a great learning opportunity as well as a new challenge and goal to help move the team forward,” said Scott.