New coaching gig for Jim Capy
He has often said that hockey — and coaching — is in his blood.
Of that, there is little doubt.
Jim Capy, who has coached with success at the high school level with Korah Colts and Sir James Dunn Eagles, at the major midget level in the Michigan Soo and in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League with Soo Thunderbirds, Soo Indians and Blind River Beavers, will return to the bench in 2014-2015.
The 56-year old Capy (he turns 57 in May) will take over as head coach of the yet-to-be-re-named Soo squad that will return to the Great North Midget Hockey League next fall.
Perennial champions in the GNMHL, the Soo North Stars went dormant following the 2012-2013 season, a sad and preventable chapter in what was a long and illustrious story.
The NOJHL’s Soo Thunderbirds have assumed control of the local GNMHL team from Soo Hockey Club, which operated the North Stars for many, many years.
Thunderbirds general manager Kevin Cain — who will also have that title with the Soo midgets — said his old sidekick Capy was “an easy choice” for the job.
“Jim can coach, there is no doubt about that,” Cain said of Capy. “He has always been a good systems coach and he keeps up to date with the times.”
Cain spent two seasons as Capy’s assistant coach in Blind River during the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 campaigns.
“I think I know Jim as well as anyone,” Cain said evenly.
Capy stepped down from his second go-round in Blind River following the 2011-2012 season and has been out of coaching since.
A long-time Canada Post employee, Capy said he is “very happy” to be returning to coaching.
“Where I am in my life, I think this is the perfect spot to finish my coaching career. I am looking forward to it and excited,” said Capy, who is married and has two adult daughters.
Congratulations Jim, it’s good to see you back behind the bench. Players should look forward to being taught hockey skills and life lessons on and off the ice from an excellent coach and mentor.
Welcome back to the hockey world Jim. You will definitely makes things interesting in the GNML. Best of Luck
Congraulations for Jim! from Blind River all the way 1.5 hours to the SOO, hopefully that program gets back up and running the same way the old coach had it. Nothing but positive wishes your way! Loved you with the Beavers!
Speaking of which, who will be his assistants Randy, any ideas? Al Depasquo? (good old BR days) or maybe dip into the young crowd, Mcaig? Henderson?. Not going to lie it would be awesome to see the young crowd jump in.
I wish I had the coaching knowledge or I would apply!