Lakehead Thunderwolves Men's Hockey team Head Coach Pete Belliveau is proud to announce that Assistant Coach Darrin Nicholas has been named defensive teams Coach and Penalty Kill Unit Coach for the 2003-2004 season. Nicholas had been Lakehead's "Eye in the Sky" Coach and Statistician as well as assistant coach in 2002-2003.
Nicholas said he is looking forward to the challenges of the new position. "I think this is a great opportunity to work more closely with Coach Belliveau and I'm really excited about the team and the upcoming season."
Coach Belliveau said Nicholas made great contributions to the team last season and his knowledge and experience will help the team greatly in 2003-2004. "We were very impressed with Darren's work last season and we are very happy to have him coach our defense and penalty killing next season. His perfectionist approach to improving our defensive brigade and working our PK will be a valuable part of our program. His past experience will benefit our program immensely."
Nicholas has extensive coaching experience including the Thunder Bay Kings Minor Hockey program, the Thunder Bay Flyers Junior A team, as well as being a regional scout for the Sudbury Wolves of the OHL.
Nicholas is married to wife Keri and has two sons, Evan and Nolan. He graduated from Lakehead with a Bachelor of Administration degree in 1990 and is currently Branch Manager for Canada Borderlink Insurance Brokers in Thunder Bay. He enjoys golf, music, and movies in his free time.
Coach Belliveau is also pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Bissonnette as Assistant Coach for the 2003-2004 season.
Bissonnete, a native of Keewatin, Ontario, played varsity hockey for Lakehead for three years from 1985-1987 before transferring to the University of Manitoba where he played two seasons. He played professional hockey in England and Belgium and then played one season for the Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks Colonial League championship team in 1991-1992. Bissonnette has extensive coaching experience with the Thunder Bay Midget Kings, and the Thunder Bay Thunder Hawks and the Thunder Bay Senators of the Colonial League.
Bissonnette said he is very excited about returning to coaching and to varsity athletics . "I'm very happy to be back with the school that originally brought me to Thunder Bay and where I played University hockey. I love the atmosphere and dedication of high level varsity athletics and I'm really looking forward to the opportunity to coach such great student-athletes.
Coach Belliveau said Bissonnette will bring a wide range of experience and knowledge to the Thunderwolves. "Dan has played at the Junior , CIS and professional levels as well as coaching minor and minor pro level hockey. His expertise as our 'Eye in the Sky' and assistant coach during practices will improve our centers' face-off skills and percentages. He will also work one-on-one with the players at improving various aspects of their games.."
Bissonnette is married to wife Deb and they have one daughter Alyx. He graduated from Manitoba with a Bachelor of Physical Education degree and is currently District Sales Manager for Coca-Cola Thunder Bay. He enjoys running and pick-up hockey in his free time.