Big news out of the Strathroy Jets camp, as the team has announced the appointment of Jacques Beaulieu as the team’s new head coach, marking a significant homecoming for the seasoned hockey veteran. This move coincides with the Jets’ entry into the Northern Premier Hockey League (NPHL) as part of its newly established Metropolitan Division.
Former Head Coach Mike Bondy recently decided to go in a different direction parting from the team in a very positive manner to entertain some new opportunities that have been introduced to him to potentially further his career in the game.
Beaulieu told myFM, he was itching to get back into the game, and when he was approached by GM Bob Lalich and Team President Mark Van Geffen, the thought was intriguing.
Beaulieu brings a wealth of experience to the Jets, having held prominent coaching and management positions across major junior hockey. His notable tenure includes serving as the head coach and general manager of the Saint John Sea Dogs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he was honored with the Maurice Filion Trophy as General Manager of the Year in 2008. Beaulieu also led the Sarnia Sting in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and contributed to the London Knights’ 2005 Memorial Cup victory as an assistant coach.
The Jets’ transition into the NPHL’s Metropolitan Division represents a strategic move to elevate the team’s competitive edge and foster regional rivalries. The division will feature matchups against teams such as the Alvinston Killer Bees, Tilbury Bluebirds, and Woodstock Lakers.
In terms of the roster, the team could see more key acquisitions with Beaulieu’s extensive hockey resume.
myFM asked the new coach as to what type of Jets team could fans see take the ice later this year.
Beaulieu saw quite a few games this past season especially during the Jets amazing run to the conference final and he was impressed.
“First of all Mike Bondy is a guy that I’ve been involved with in hockey for many years, with many more to come as he’s a member of our board, I want to wish him all the best in his new hockey opportunity”, stated Mark Van Geffen, President of the Strathroy Jets organization. “I’m hoping to catch up with Scotty (Assistant Coach Scott Alkins) here shortly as I haven’t talked to him personally about his intentions for next season. Would love for him to stay on in whatever capacity he would like. But the ability to get Jacques with his contact list of players and his hockey IQ is a huge pick up for our organization”
Written by: Strathroy Jets/C. Soares