New coach in Kam River
Perennial Superior International Jr. Hockey League powerhouse Kam River Fighting Walleye has confirmed the hiring of Dwight Lee as its new head coach.
“The Walleye organization is very pleased to have Dwight Lee as our next head coach,” said team president Derek Geddes. “It was obvious through the process that his vision for the team aligned with ours. We are all very excited for this next chapter and would like to welcome Dwight to the Walleye family.”
Lee heads to Kam River and the SIJHL after spending the 2023-2024 season as associate coach with the Powell River Kings of the British Columbia Hockey League. Prior to coaching in Powell River, Lee experienced a wide range of experience from coaching AAA programs and minor hockey teams along with instructing players of all levels from minor hockey to professional and leading player development for associations.
“I couldn’t be happier for our organization and players to be able to bring Dwight into the family,” said Kam River general manager Kevin McCallum. “We set out to find exactly what we wanted in a coach, and we did just that. I worked with our ownership, hockey ops, and players, who all gave advice on the direction we wanted to go, and we believe we’ve found the ideal fit. Having Dwight leave a great organization in Powell River to have the opportunity to become the bench boss of his own team was a major decision for him and his family. I’ve known Dwight as a player, scout, and coach and believe we are in great hands moving forward.”
The 34 year old Lee is returning to the SIJHL after playing two seasons with the Dryden Ice Dogs.
“I am thrilled to accept this position with the Kam River Fighting Walleye,” Lee said. “I have been able to follow along with the Fighting Walleye since their start in the league and have watched them establish themselves as a perennial contender that advances players and coaches. When GM Kevin McCallum discussed this opportunity with me, I was excited by the challenge along with the solid foundation of personnel throughout the organization that are all contributing to this program. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Northwestern Ontario when I played out here and my wife Jody and I are very excited to call Thunder Bay our home.”