FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 2, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KOMOKA, ONT. — Komoka Kings President and GM Roop Chanderdat has announced today that Doug Gardner has been named an assistant coach of the Komoka Kings.
Gardner grew up in Dorchester and has been around hockey for his entire life. He played junior hockey for six years, beginning at age 15 in Jr. D, in Port Stanley. Doug then played two seasons in Jr. B with the Aylmer Aces. He got a tryout for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL, which landed him playing Jr. A with the Rayside-Balfour Sabrecats of the NOJHL, before returning home for his final years in junior, splitting time between the St. Thomas Stars and the Belmont Bombers in Jr. D, as their captain for three seasons.
Gardner is a very upbeat and competitive individual, which, coupled with his experience, made him a standout candidate for the position. “Doug’s skill set and personality meshes well with our management and coaching staff. He is a great addition to our Kings Family.” said Kings President and GM Roop Chanderdat.
This summer, Gardner had the chance to work with Kings head coach Adam Casey at a couple off-season conditioning camps, which brought on the mutual interest in having Doug fill this role. Casey went on to say: “I am really looking forward to working with Doug this season. He’s very knowledgeable and has a passion to coach. We have a younger team this year, and I think Doug will do a great job teaching and mentoring our players.”
A firm believer in the old saying “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”, Gardner is thrilled to be joining the Kings coaching staff, stating: “I’m very grateful and proud to join the Komoka Kings organization. I am looking forward to contributing to the team’s success this season!”
Doug is a London, ON resident, where he lives with his wife Trish, daughter Holly and stepson Evan.
The Kings welcome Doug Gardner to the team, as he joins Head Coach Adam Casey and goaltending coach Dave MacDonald on the coaching staff. The organization looks forward to a strong push in the 2022-2023 season.
