Veteran junior hockey coach Kent Lewis is back in the game.
Lewis, who has coached Powell River Kings and other British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) teams, has been signed as the head coach and director of hockey operations for the Wellington Dukes in Wellington, Ontario, located on the shores of Lake Ontario. The Dukes are part of the 23-team Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL).
Lewis hadn’t been looking for the job.
“I was at work and I got a call from a former teammate of mine who I played with in Nanaimo in 1983, and I actually coached him when he played for the Powell River Regals when we won the Allan Cup in 2000,” said Lewis. “His name is Ken Clement. The Dukes had a sudden resignation of their coach and Ken presented a really good opportunity and was aggressive in pursuing me.
“I listened and then I went to Ontario to take a good look before I made my decision. I was impressed with the area, the arena and the people. There is a really nice staff and it’s such a really neat part of Ontario. There’s hockey everywhere.”
Lewis said he was humbled and feels very fortunate to be pursued that way.
“I’m excited,” said Lewis. “It’s nice to be around the water when you’re from Powell River.”
Lewis said the Dukes’ core fans are passionate and he is used to working in small communities, so the coaching job will be a good fit.
“I’m looking forward to giving them a good hockey team,” said Lewis.
He said in making the move to Ontario, he has a substantial rebuild to carry out. He said the team needs to bring in 16 to 17 players for the coming season. He said recruitment is going to have to happen quickly. He has been hired to oversee the hockey operations, so he has a big responsibility.
“I’ve been given the ball here and I’m fortunate that the people are quality people, so we will work together to build the team,” said Lewis. “It will be a whirlwind until we hit the ice because we have a lot of work to do.”
Lewis said in helping his recruitment efforts, he is going to rely on some former Kings’ players who hail from Ontario.
“So far, they’ve been of tremendous help, and I depend and rely on that,” said Lewis.
He said his coaching responsibilities are in place now. He has signed a contract and been on the phone ever since.
Lewis said his first run as a coach in Powell River was difficult for his family because he was working and coaching.
“I was never home and my boys missed a lot of stuff, but to have their support for this new coaching opportunity is huge,” said Lewis. “I couldn’t have done anything in this game without the support of my family. This business is really hard on families.”
Rekindled passion
He said getting back to coaching minor hockey in this community last year rekindled his passion for the game.
“I really appreciate [Powell River] minor hockey reaching out,” said Lewis. “I was involved with players ranging from the ages of nine to 18. That was a great experience for me.”
Lewis said he is going to be in Ontario for quite a bit of July to deal with some signings and get the team shaped up, and then he will return to Powell River to wrap up some business and spend some time with his family before he assumes his new position, which he will be doing full-time around the third week of August.
Having coached junior hockey for more than 20 years, Lewis said being behind the bench is part of his lifeblood. He said he has had some hiatuses during his career and being away from it for a span has helped him.
“I still have a ton to learn,” said Lewis. “What will be really nice is just focusing on coaching. For a large part of my career, I didn’t have that ability. Just to be able to solely coach is something I am really looking forward to.”
Lewis said being able to have a strong role in the development of young men is the most special aspect about coaching.
“Everyone says that kids have changed, but good kids are still good kids,” said Lewis. “In talking to some of the returning players, it’s a great reward to be part of that, and learn from them because they are smart kids.
“To be able to help, and mould, and guide is a great experience. I’m feeling excitement and nervousness. I’ve never been in a situation in mid-June where you have to get 16 guys, but we’re going to narrow that down.”
Lewis said Wellington is one of the more passionate hockey communities in Ontario and the facilities are top-notch, so he is looking forward to his new responsibilities.
“It’s going to be a lot of work,” he added, “but it will be really rewarding.”
