Gord Lamont, President of the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks, with new head coach and former Winterhawks Matt Turcotte of Port Elgin at the Winterhawks Awards Banquet, April 6, at Lakeshore Recreation. Hub photo

The Saugeen Shores Winterhawks held their annual awards banquet on Friday night, April 6 and introduced Matt Turcotte as their new head coach. Ben Antler will join Turcotte as assistant coach.

In a Saugeen Shores Winterhawks media release, Turcotte is a native of Port Elgin and brings a winning pedigree to the Winterhawks tradition of success on the ice.

Joining the Winterhawks as a player during the inaugural season in 2007/08, Turcotte played six seasons and won three WOAA Sr. “AA” championships along the way.

“Matt was quickly identified as our top candidate for the head coaching position,” said President Gord Lamont. “He brings experience and enthusiasm to the job, we’re fortunate to be able to bring an alumnus on board as our head coach.”

Always popular amongst fans and teammates, “Turk” sits 10th all-time in franchise games played (107) and 2nd in penalty minutes (282).

After wrapping up his playing career following the 2014/15 season, Turcotte stepped behind the bench with Saugeen Shores Minor Hockey Association’s Bantam-B team.

Turcotte replaces Jim Grieve, who informed the team during the season that he would not be returning for the 2018/19 season.

Grieve departs after a total of three seasons behind the Winterhawks bench, compiling a record of 51-11-2 with one championship.

The Winterhawks will begin their 12th season in the Western Ontario Athletic Association in October.

New Winterhawks Head Coach Matt Turcotte while he made a few remarks at the Saugeen Shores Winterhawks Awards Banquet, April 6, at Lakeshore Recreation. Hub photo