Paper Kings add goalie coach
Sault Ste. Marie resident Bill Vanderleest is taking his goalie instructor skills a few hours down the highway. The affable, ageless Vanderleest has been hired as the goalie coach for the Espanola Paper Kings of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Vanderleest, who will also remain in his position as the goalie coach for the Sault College Cougars varsity women’s hockey team, is no stranger to the NOJHL. He has spent the past decade as the goalie coach for the NOJHL’s Soo Eagles.
A tireless worker, Vanderleest told Hockey News North that he will commute to Espanola “every couple of weeks” for practice sessions with the Paper Kings goalies. And that is only part of his commitment.
Besides the odd trip to Espanola for home contests, Vanderleest said he also plans to attend Paper Kings road games against their West Division rivals — Soo Eagles, Soo Thunderbirds, Blind River Beavers, Elliot Lake Red Wings and Sudbury Cubs — “to touch base and confer with our goalies. Sudbury is the farthest trip from home for me and it’s only three hours away.”
My chum, “Bunkie” is an excellent addition to the Paper Kings. His experience and teachings will elevate any goaltending on any team. Espanola got a good one here.