Oceanside Generals are looking for a new coach to lead them into next season’s Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League campaign.
After six years behind the Generals bench, Dan Lemmon has decided to step down and take time away from his coaching career. He said he informed team officials earlier in the season this was going to be his last year with the club.
“It’s been a great six seasons,” said Lemmon. “I think the team is really heading in the right direction and had a lot of success. For me personally, I need to take a break. I need to focus on myself for a little bit. I am still young and there’s still some things I want to do in life. So a break from hockey is really what I need.”
Lemmon said having to juggle his coaching responsibility with his full-time work with the City of Nanaimo has been a challenging task that has finally taken a toll on him.
“Doing this job is like working full-time and not many coaches do that,” said Lemmon. “There has been a lot of 70-hour work weeks, eight months of the year. I would just like to take some time off from the rink and focus on some other things.”
Also leaving the team’s coaching staff is former player Max Creighton, who served as Lemmon’s assistant for three seasons, and Parker Wakaruk, who joined for one season as an assistant coach.
“It is is with mixed sadness and gratitude that we acknowledge your departure from the Oceanside Generals,” said club president Tara Hannibal in her message to the Generals family and fans on Facebook. “Each of you played an invaluable role in shaping the lives of our athletes and the culture of our teams. Your dedication, expertise and unwavering support have not only elevated our performance on the ice but also have inspired and empowered countless individuals under your guidance.”
Lemmon took over the Generals head coach position in 2018. This was his second stint with the Generals, having assumed that role in 2013.
READ MORE: Oceanside Generals fall 2-1 in OT to Comox Valley, see VIJHL season end
Since becoming the leader behind the bench again Lemmon has established a winning culture withing the club that eventually garnered them a Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League title and a provincial championship bronze medal in 2023. They set league and club records during the 2022-2023 season, with Lemmon being voted as the VIJHL’s coach of the year.
This season, the Generals were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, losing a hard-fought best-of-seven series 4-2 to the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.
“We were hoping to get a little deeper in the playoffs than we did,” said Lemmon. “But team did a really good job this season of competing. They tried to stay where we left off and tried to continue to work on what we did in the last six seasons.”
Lemmon offered thanks for all the support afforded to him during by staff, coaches, players and also the devoted fanbase that has grown during the last six seasons.
He said he was deeply honoured to have had the experience of not only playing for Generals and but also later becoming the team’s head coach and leading them to significant success.
“I always want to see the Generals do well and have success,” said Lemmon. “I have had the best stint with the Oceanside Generals for sure, with the amount of wins we’ve had since I have been here. I am surely proud of what we have been able to do. It’s been a great six years.”