Stars DeGagne named SIJHL coach of the year

THUNDER BAY -- The Superior International Junior Hockey League announced Thursday that Rob DeGagne of the Thunder Bay North Stars has been named the SIJHL’s coach of the year for the 2017-18 season.

DeGagne edged out fellow coach of the year nominee Cole Workman of the Thief River Falls Norskies and Kurt Walsten of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs for the honours in voting done by each of the league’s member clubs.

In earning the accolades in his first season behind the North Stars bench, DeGagne led Thunder Bay to a 38-13-4-1 record, including guiding his club to a 22-3-1-1 run the second half of the campaign.

It also marked a 13-point improvement from the totals the club posted in 2016-17.

He becomes the third North Stars bench boss to earn top coach laurels joining Jeremy Adduono (2014-15) and four-time honouree Todd Howarth (2003-04; 2004-05; 2006-07 & 2008-09).

The following is the list of the SIJHL’s all-time coach of the year award recipients:

2017-18: Rob DeGagne, Thunder Bay North Stars
2016-17: Kurt Walsten, Dryden GM Ice Dogs
2015-16: Wayne Strachan, Fort Frances Lakers
2014-15: Jeremy Adduono, Thunder Bay North Stars
2013-14: Wayne Strachan, Fort Frances Lakers
2012-13: Chris Walby, Minnesota Iron Rangers (Co-recipient)
2012-13: Rod Aldoff, Minnesota Wilderness (Co-recipient)
2011-12: Rod Aldoff, Wisconsin Wilderness
2010-11: Wayne Strachan, Fort Frances Lakers
2009-10: Clint Mylymok, Dryden Ice Dogs
2008-09: Todd Howarth, Fort William North Stars
2007-08: Wayne Strachan, Fort Frances Jr. Sabres
2006-07: Randy Lulashnyk, Dryden Ice Dogs (Co-recipient)
2006-07: Todd Howarth, Fort William North Stars (Co-recipient)
2005-06: Bobby Spadoni, Schreiber Diesels
2004-05: Todd Howarth, Fort William North Stars
2003-04: Todd Howarth, Fort William North Stars
2002-03: David Vescio, Thunder Bay Bulldogs
2001-02: Wayne Strachan, Borderland Thunder