The Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are pleased to welcome Dave Dupas (Burnaby, B.C.) as an assistant coach this season.
“The Oil Barons are one of the most well known and highly respected junior A programs in western Canada,” said Dupas. “ Every year, the Oil Barons compete at the top of the AJHL’s standings. I’m excited to join such a well respected and professional organization this season.”
The 53-year old joins the Oil Barons after serving as head coach of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League’s (BCHL) Prince George Spruce Kings for 4 ½ seasons from 2010-2015. Dupas also coached the Williams Lake Timberwolves of the BCHL in 2009, finishing the 2009-2010 season with the North Okanagan Knights of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL).
Dupas’ junior hockey experience dates back to the early 1980s, where he played as a defenseman with the BCHL’s New Westminister Royals. After finishing his junior hockey career with the Royals in 1983, Dupas went on to play NCAA hockey for the Northern Arizona Univeristy (NAU) IceJacks. After three seasons at NAU, Dupas played seven seasons of professional hockey in California, before starting his coaching career in the mid-1990s.
“My coaching career has allowed me to travel across North Amercia, to coach both inline and ice hockey,” added Dupas.
“I’ve been fortunate to coach and help a number of junior-aged hockey players reach the next level. I look forward to continuing my coaching carreer in Fort McMurray, to help current Oil Barons accomplish their own goals on and off the ice.”
“Dave’s a veteran coach that understands the importance of player development at the junior level,” said Head Coach and General Manager Tom Keca.
“His experience at the junior and professional levels will help our organization achieve success now and in the future. I’m excited to welcome Dave to our organization and I look forward to working with him this season.”