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 Windsor Spitfires

Boughner Accepts Coaching Position in San Jose

July 2, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Windsor Spitfires News Release


(Windsor, ON) - Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner has agreed to a 3-year contract that will see him become an assistant coach with National Hockey League's San Jose Sharks.

Boughner will remain president and majority owner of the Spitfires.

"This has been a tough decision," Boughner said. "I've been fortunate to live out two lifelong dreams, playing in the NHL and becoming owner and coach of the team I grew up following."

Boughner says the opportunity to join the Sharks developed recently, and the process moved quickly, after former Spitfire Pete DeBoer was hired as San Jose's head coach.

"Once the offer was made, it became clear that if I was going to one day realize my dream of being an NHL head coach, the time was now," Boughner said. "My kids are older and better prepared for me to take on this opportunity. I wouldn't take a step like this without my family's full support."

The move also comes with the full support of the club's ownership partners.

"We're very happy for Bob as he takes on this new endeavour," said John Savage of Cypher Systems Group, co-owner of the Spitfires. "The ownership structure of the team will not change and we've let Bob know the day-to-day operations of the team are in good hands. Bob will definitely be missed. But we're ready to move the club forward, both on and off the ice, while he pursues his dream of becoming an NHL head coach."

The Spitfires are actively seeking a new head coach and an announcement is expected soon.

"This is going to be an exciting time for our entire organization and our fans," Boughner said. "I have full faith in (General Manager) Warren (Rychel) and where the team is headed. We've got some of the best emerging talent in the league and I have total confidence that the person we bring in as head coach will be outstanding. I think the change will be positive for everyone. This is an industry driven by change. Change often leads to great success."

Boughner says although he's excited to take on this new challenge, he will miss coming to the WFCU Centre each day.

"I can't thank our fans, ownership group and staff enough," Boughner said. "We've built something special here. I look forward to coming back during the off-season. I'll still be heavily involved in both hockey and business operations, while also continuing to work with the community through the Windsor Spitfires Foundation. Wherever this new path takes me, Windsor will always be home."


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