Beavers have had NOJHL success
There are numerous blueprints for the Blind River Beavers to copy and study as the franchise strives to return to a level of competitiveness in the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
As the Beavers conduct a search for their fourth coach and general manager in a three-year span following the recent release of Brad Barton after one season, Blind River is a franchise that did have some NOJHL success not that long ago.
The past two seasons in particular have not been enjoyable ones for Blind River as the Beavers lost all 60 games in 2014-2015 before improving to a 10-victory campaign in 2015-2016 — which was still only 11th-best in the 12-team NOJHL.
But despite being a small-market franchise that operates in a town of 3,500 that is halfway between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury along Highway 17, the Beavers had six winning seasons in a seven-year span between 2004 and 2011.
The winningest coach in the Beavers NOJHL history is Todd Stencill, who is now the general manager of the Elliot Lake Wildcats, who have again advanced to the second round of the playoffs in only their second year of existence.
Stencill followed a blueprint when he was Blind River that included year-round player recruitment despite the fact that he ran the Beavers as a part-time job and did so from his residence in nearby Elliot Lake.
Never one to be out-worked, Stencill also used his friendly personality and demeanour to interact with fans and sponsors in Blind River — traits that he still employs as the GM in Elliot Lake.
During Stencill’s time in Blind River, one of his assistant coaches was Ryan Leonard, who is now the owner-general manager-coach of the NOJHL’s Cochrane Crunch.
Leonard, to be sure, has been a major success up in isolated Cochrane, which with a population of 5,400, isn’t that much bigger than Blind River.
In his first season in Cochrane, the 2014-2015 campaign, Leonard led the Crunch to the NOJHL championship series before losing to the powerhouse Soo Thunderbirds.
This time around, Leonard has Cochrane into the East Division finals following an opening-round sweep of the big-market, big-money Timmins Rock.
Like his old boss Stencill, Leonard is a tireless worker and a master recruiter who knows how to build and operate a successful NOJHL franchise.
If success can be achieved in Cochrane, it can be achieved in Blind River.
In fact, as noted previously, the Beavers have had NOJHL success in Blind River with six winning seasons in a seven-year period.
It’s all about getting the right person to head up the hockey department while having the personality and people skills to mingle with fans and sponsors on an ongoing, committed basis.
Bravo! This particuler article is BANG ON. Way to say it like it really is R.R.!
The worst thing for the Beavers was when they had a real “Bob” as a President; Things improved with Rachel this Season how ever I am not sure that Coach Barton put together a good enuf team. I think he should have been give 1 more Year but i do not know what went on behind the seens.
As Randy says this is a good hockey town that has had succes and it can happen again with the right people in charge. Todd and Ryan were good for the Beavers in there day and we need some one who will out work the “big” Teams.
Stensil is still well liked here in Town. He did well when he was in charge – alot of hard work on his part / good contacts are what made the programme a succesful one. We need some one of that nature. If Ryan Leonard came back to Town he would make this work or some one like him that uses the opportunity as a stepping stone to the OHA.
The Blind River Beavers Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club is searching for a qualified Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Coach for the 2016-17 season.
Salary to be negotiated
Job Type: Full-time
Responsibilities are:
Direct and administer various aspects of the Junior Ice Hockey program
Develop practice plans and game operations
Plan conditioning and dryland training sessions
Responsible for video analysis, and video sessions with players
Possess a Level 1 coaching certification
Respect in Sports or equivalent certified
In conjunction with the Blind River Beavers General Manager you will hold tryouts for 2016-17 season and help select roster.
Actively recruit, retain new players; and coordinate recruiting efforts with General Manager.
Attend staff meetings to review progress in all areas of team development.
Maintain team discipline and administer logical and transparent disciplinary action in accordance with the NOJHL and NOHA guidelines.
Operate the team in accordance with the rules and regulations of the NOJHL and NOHA
Hold team members accountable for conducting themselves with sportsmanship, respect, and integrity in accordance with the ideals and goals set forth by the Blind River Beavers Code of Conduct
Assist in game night operations including sponsor fulfillment, customer service and various other game night duties
Salary based on experience with possible bonus for performance.
Other duties as required, from time to time.
Requirements of the position:
• Post-secondary certification in coaching, physical education, professional hockey, etc is an asset,
• At least 2 years of hockey coaching experience is an asset
• Junior or professional hockey playing experience via reference letters or other proof is an asset
Required experience:
• Proven and demonstrated prior coaching experience at a junior level or college/professional level.
Ability to pass all required background checks. Must produce a clean PRC/VSS for interview at their own expense
If interested, please mail your resume, cover letter, salary requirements and two references to:
Blind River Beavers
P.O. Box 489,
Blind River ON
P0R 1B0
I think that Randy should be on the Board of Director’s for the Blind River Beavers.
It is quiete obvious that RR loves Blind River & the Beavers.
Randy,
We all enjoyed hockey that year, and other years as well.
Charley Murray was a scout at some time back then.
BR is a hockey town and people need to be involved again.
Those were the days, let them come again.
You also were known to be around in those days.
That was a great year and I certainly enjoyed my time with the people of Blind River that were so friendly and welcoming to my wife and I and our friend Cathy. Travel issues of course were the biggest obstacle back then as it took a toll driving back and forth so much. I wish the town of Blind River and it’s team nothing but the best in the future.