Archive

Hornets sign new head coach

May 2, 2013   ·   0 Comments

After a winning season that saw the Alliston Hornets claim the Georgian Mid Ontario Hockey League championship, head coach Sandy McCarthy has left the team and signed with the Caledon Golden Hawks.

McCarthy was in the top spot on the Hornets bench for two seasons and lead the team to the GMOHL championship both times.

Rumours had been circulating in hockey circles for a few days before it was confirmed by Hornets General Manager Rick Bartlett.

“We had talked to Sandy and he made it known he wasn’t coming back,” Barlett said, “We thought he was going to quit hockey, but then he said he was going down there (Caledon).”

McCarthy was a popular coach in the Hornets camp liked by both players and fans alike.

“Caledon seems to think he’s got what it takes, (to turn their team around)” Bartlett said. “Our kids had the utmost respect for him.”

McCarthy will have his work cut out for him in Caledon.

The Golden Hawks finished the 2012 / 2013 season near the bottom with a 19–21 record.

Hawks spokesperson Mark Perry said the Hawks are happy to have him aboard.

“Here’s a .500 club,” Perry said. “It will be a challenge for him. I think he’ll flourish This past year was a disappointment for us. We lacked structure and discipline.”

Perry said he believes McCarthy has what it takes to turn the Golden Hawks around for 2013 / 2013.

Bartlett also confirmed this week that the Hornets have signed Ed Garinger for the top coaching spot for the 2013 / 2014 season.

Garinger coached the Midland Flyers in 2012 /2013 for a single season after being on the bench with the Stayner Siskins the previous year.

He had good success this season leading the Flyers to a 25-15 finish in the GMOHL regular season and taking the team all the way to the league final against the Hornets.

“I am excited to join the Hornets and flattered by the respect the Hornets management team has shown for me in our discussions,” Garinger said. “Over the past five seasons, I have witnessed first-hand the passion, work ethic, and professionalism the Hornets organization is built on and I hope to contribute to the Hornets continuing success which is a result of these qualities.”

The Hornets won the league championship in 2013 then went on to knock out the Walkerton Hawks in the provincial quarter-final.

They bowed out after losing in the semi-final to the Picton Pirates.

By Brian Lockhart

Readers Comments (0)