The Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s Oceanside Generals have a new head coach and assistant general manager.
The club has hired Marek Babic to take over the coaching position that became vacant when former head coach Dan Lemmon stepped down following the Generals’ exit in the VIJHL playoffs.
Babic was born in Bratislava, Slovakia and moved to Toronto when he was two years old. He fell in love with hockey and went on to become a professional player. During his 11 years as a pro, Babic has played in Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Slovakia and France.
READ MORE: Oceanside Generals forward Jacob Thomas commits to University of Jameston
“Marek brings a wealth of experience and passion for the game of hockey, making him the perfect fit to lead our team to success both and off the ice,” said Tara Hannibal, Generals team president.
Babic has worked as a skills instructor for 30 years, and is entering his 14th season coaching hockey. He spent the past three seasons with the Slovan Bratislava junior team in the Extra Liga and helped the team win the league and national championship.
“With a proven track record of developing young talent and fostering a winning culture, we are confident that Marek will elevate our program to new heights,” said Hannibal, who added “we look forward to the energy, expertise and leadership he will bring to the team as we strive for excellence together.”
Babic is expected to arrive in Parksville at the end of the month. His first task will be to oversee the Generals Spring ID Camp that will take place May 3 to May 5 at Oceanside Place.
— NEWS Staff