Graphic by Jake Arts
Written by Dylan Baker
The Komoka Kings are ushering in a new era with major additions to their hockey operations staff made by President and General Manager Roop Chanderdat. With a mix of seasoned professionals and rising coaching talent, the Kings are building a foundation aimed at long-term development and competitive success in the GOJHL. Here’s a closer look at the individuals stepping into key roles for the organization:
Adam Simpson – Assistant General Manager
The Kings have brought in Adam Simpson as their new Assistant General Manager, a hire that signals a commitment to player development and talent identification. Simpson boasts a strong pedigree, having served as an assistant coach for both the London Junior Knights and Elgin-Middlesex Canucks U18 AAA programs, recruiting talented players to his rosters. His teams have consistently been competitive, with his most recent squad being a Telus Cup contender.
Beyond the bench, Simpson brings scouting experience with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit, where he’s earned a reputation for evaluating top-end talent. His dual expertise in coaching and scouting positions him as a key figure in shaping the Kings’ roster for years to come. Simpson, who has called Komoka home for the past three years, is eager to translate his AAA success to the junior level.
Johnny Warren – Head Coach
Johnny Warren steps behind the bench as the new Head Coach of the Komoka Kings, bringing a winning track record and deep knowledge of the area’s player pool. At just 28, Warren has already accumulated seven years of coaching experience, including six as a head coach in the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks organization. His recent success includes a 17-9-4 record with the U16 Canucks and a trip to the OHL Cup.
Warren has twice led teams to Alliance AAA Championships and holds a remarkable .807 career points percentage. He also brings front office experience as a Hockey Operations Assistant with the London Knights and had an impressive playing career in both the GOJHL and major junior ranks. Returning to a franchise he once played for, Warren is committed to instilling a winning culture in Komoka.
Rich Brown – Associate Coach
Rich Brown joins the Kings with a resume that stretches across junior, pro, and international levels. A former Assistant Coach with the AHL’s St. John’s Maple Leafs and Associate GM with the Sarnia Sting, Brown has also spent 20 years as a scout for the NHL’s New York Rangers. His international accolades include gold medals with Team Ontario and Team Canada at U17 and U18 events.
In recent years, Brown has shifted toward grassroots hockey, helping guide the London Junior Knights and Elgin-Middlesex Canucks to championship runs. He also served as interim Head Coach of the Western Mustangs women’s team in 2023–24. His decades of experience provide invaluable mentorship and strategic insight for the Kings’ coaching staff.
Bob White – Assistant Coach
Bob White also brings a lengthy and successful coaching career to Komoka. Starting as a goalie coach and later moving behind the bench with the London Junior Knights, White has played a part in several championship-winning teams. His early connection of Johnny Warren, whom he coached as a kid, has now come full circle.
White spent the past eight seasons with the Elgin-Middlesex Canucks and has worked closely with Warren for six of those, winning two Alliance titles. His ability to connect with players and foster team culture makes him an essential asset as the Kings seek sustained success. White continues with Warren and Brown, adding both chemistry and continuity to the Kings’ bench.
Ray Giffen – Director, Hockey Administration & Alternate Governor
A familiar and trusted face in the Kings’ organization, Ray Giffen transitions from Assistant GM to Director of Hockey Administration and Alternate Governor. Giffen has been a fixture with the franchise since 2007 and has been instrumental in helping assemble rosters year after year.
His deep knowledge of league rules and procedures, along with his organizational expertise, will be key as he manages administrative operations like player cards and forms. Giffen’s continued presence ensures stability during a period of transformation.
Brian McAllister – Hockey Operations Assistant
Brian McAllister moves into the role of Hockey Operations Assistant, bringing recent coaching success and decades of developmental experience. McAllister rejoined the Kings organization as an Assistant Coach last season, after a year spent as Interim Head Coach of the London Nationals, leading the team to a Western Conference Final appearance.
With 17 years of experience as a skills coach and scouting ties to the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL, McAllister also contributes to the Mental Game Academy. Brian’s son Ryan—a current Florida Panthers prospect—played for the Kings in the 2018-19 season. His multi-faceted background will complement the Kings’ evolving front office.
Looking Ahead
The Komoka Kings’ revamp signals a deliberate and forward-thinking approach as they prepare for the upcoming season. With strong local ties, proven leaders, and a united vision, the team is well-positioned to develop young talent and pursue a return to form in the GOJHL.
