WEYBURN – The Richardson Pioneer Weyburn Red Wings will be moving forward without head coach and general manager Rich Pilon, team president Brent Stephanson said in a brief statement on Tuesday afternoon, with assistant coach Cody Mapes named as the new head coach and general manager.
“There are no further details at this time due to legal reasons,” he added about parting ways with Pilon, noting that the matter may end up in court, so no additional comment can be made.
With the announcement of Mapes as the new coach, Stephanson said, “We’re really excited to have him on board with his hockey knowledge and enthusiasm.”
He noted when Mapes was interviewed for the position, he had a binder with him full of plans of what he wants to do with the Wings this season. Mapes has been the assistant to Pilon for the past two years.
“He told us he had a 10-year plan to be a coach in the SJHL, and this is year 8,” added Stephanson. “His demeanour is good, he has a different style than Rich for sure. We’re very much looking forward to when the puck drops for the new season.”
The fall training camp will be going ahead on the weekend of Sept. 3-5.
This will be followed by exhibition games, with the first one against Estevan on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m., and the start of the new season is on Sept. 24, as earlier announced by the SJHL.
