The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for the Cochrane Generals as a number of changes to the board of directors and the bench were made.

The Gens now have a new head coach, Dan Gendur, as Evan Mcfeeters left to advance his career as a professional hockey coach after guiding the team for a number of seasons.

Chase Kinch, Cochrane Generals President, says McFeeters will leave to coach the Junior A Canmore Eagles full time, after balancing coaching duties both for the Eagles and Generals last year.

“Last year we weren’t sure if we were going to get Evan back, because he got offered a job, and he ended up coming back and was there for 97% of the ice time, so we got one more year out of him,” he explains. “It was a clear move for him, he’s a professional hockey coach, and taking that next step is important. He’s got a good opportunity lined up in front of him in Canmore.”

Having 2 years of experience coaching the squad already, Kinch is confident Gendur is the right man for the job. Although there are changes to the bench, it won’t alter the team’s direction much.

“Having Dan be a part of the team in the past, him and Evan have a very good working relationship. Dan will not be completely changing the direction of the team. He knows what he’s getting, the players on the ice, their habits, strengths and weaknesses. It’s just a bit of a different voice.”

Kinch shares the team has also been interviewing possible candidates to fill two assistant coach positions. Kinch was one of the assistant coaches, but was announced as the Gens President in June, after former President Ken Soloski completed his term.

The Generals have a new Vice president as well, Chris Johnson.

“He’s been with the team for a little while, he was equipment manager back when they won a championship, and he’s been on the board for a few years and stepped up for the spot.”

Kinch explains it’s been a busy year trying to switch around the board and the bench.

“This is definitely crazy; the terms were up for the board members, so it was kind of up to them if they wanted to stay on if they’re elected back on. A lot of people just wanted to step down or take a lesser role on the board side of it.”

There have been plenty of changes to the team’s staff, however, there will be lots of familiar faces on the ice.

“It should be pretty good moving forward, our team did really well last year and we’re only losing one player to over age, so on paper, it should be a pretty successful year. “