Fort McMurray, AB (January 16, 2020) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons are pleased to announce that Gord Thibodeau has re-joined the organization as the team’s Head Coach and General Manager.
“I’m very excited to be back in Fort McMurray and with the Oil Barons,” said Thibodeau. “It’s a great organization with great people. It’s also a place where I’ve spent most of my coaching career and had some great years. I’m looking forward to coming in, mentoring our younger coaches, and helping this organization achieve long-term success.”
Thibodeau rejoins the Oil Barons after previously spending 11 seasons with the organization as its Head Coach and General Manager from 2003-2014. Under Thibodeau’s leadership, the Oil Barons reached the AJHL finals five times and won an AJHL Championship in 2006.
“Coming back to hockey, the Oil Barons are really the only organization I considered coming back to,” added Thibodeau. “After spending some time away from the game over the past year, I’ve gained more perspective. Coaching today’s athlete is different. Today, coaching is about empowering players and having them buy in to a common goal. I look forward to coaching the young-athletes on this team.”
In total, Thibodeau brings over 25 years of Junior A coaching experience to the organization. Throughout his illustrious career, Thibodeau has coached in over 1,700 games for six different AJHL organizations. During that time, he has also helped hundreds of players achieve scholarships to colleges and universities across North America.
In February 2017, Thibodeau also broke the AJHL’s win record among coaches with 833 wins. Ironically, Thibodeau’s record setting win took place in Fort McMurray while coaching the Whitecourt Wolverines.
“Gord’s familiarity with our organization and understanding of recruiting and coaching players in Fort McMurray made him a great candidate,” said Oil Barons President David Fitzgerald.
“Gord’s recent time away from coaching has also allowed him to recharge, spend time with family, and focus on his personal development as a coach. He brings a tremendous amount of organizational knowledge and will be a great mentor to our younger coaches.”
Gord will be back behind the Oil Barons bench tomorrow night when the Oil Barons host the Okotoks Oilers at the Casman Centre. Puck drop is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the Oil Barons’ box office or online at fortmcmurrayoilbarons.ca.