The Blackfalds Bulldogs organization announces that Doug Quinn, Owner and Head Coach, has made the decision to step down as Head Coach for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
Coach Quinn had previously planned to retire before the start of this season but chose to stay on to observe the team’s transition into the new league and to help prepare his coaching and hockey operations staff for a seamless succession. His leadership during this pivotal time has been invaluable, and the Bulldogs are deeply grateful for his dedication and guidance.
Since the inception of the Bulldogs, Coach Quinn has been instrumental in shaping the team into a formidable presence in Junior A hockey. Under his leadership:
· The Bulldogs reached the divisional final in the 2022-2023 season.
· The team advanced to the Alberta division semi-final in the 2023-2024 season.
· The Bulldogs achieved back-to-back 39-win seasons, including remarkable winning streaks of 8 games in the 2022-2023 season and 11 games in the 2023-2024 season.
Coach Quinn’s vision and perseverance were crucial during the team’s challenging early days, including launching the franchise amidst the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Remarkably, the Bulldogs began with only one player who had prior Junior A hockey experience. Coach Quinn’s ability to develop a competitive team under these circumstances is a testament to his exceptional leadership and dedication.
The Bulldogs organization would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Coach Quinn for his tireless efforts in bringing Junior A hockey to Central Alberta and specifically to the Town of Blackfalds. His contributions have not only elevated the team but also strengthened the community’s passion for hockey.
While Coach Quinn is stepping down as Head Coach, he will continue to serve as an active and proud representative of the Bulldogs in the Central Alberta community. His ongoing support and contributions to the team’s success will remain invaluable.
Coach Quinn has expressed his full confidence in Associate Coach Ryan Tobler and Assistant Coach Brady Bakke to lead the team through the remainder of the season. With their expertise and commitment, the Bulldogs are poised to finish the season strong.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs thank Coach Quinn for his years of outstanding leadership and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement from coaching. We look forward to his continued involvement in our community and the ongoing success of the Bulldogs.
Signed,
Blackfalds Bulldogs Jr A Hockey Club
