Photo courtesy of the Blackfalds Bulldogs.
The Blackfalds Bulldogs Head Coach Doug Quinn is stepping down for the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
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, the Bulldogs said in a news release.
Adding, “His leadership during this pivotal time has been invaluable, and the Bulldogs are deeply grateful for his dedication and guidance.”
Under Quinn’s 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 and achieved back-to-back 39-win seasons, including winning streaks of eight games in the 2022-2023 season and 11 games in the 2023-2024 season.
“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,” the release said. “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 Quinn for his tireless efforts in bringing Junior A hockey to Central Alberta and to the Town of Blackfalds.
“His contributions have not only elevated the team but also strengthened the community’s passion for hockey,” the release said.
Quinn will continue to serve as an active and proud representative of the Bulldogs in the Central Alberta community.
Associate Coach Ryan Tobler and Assistant Coach Brady Bakke will lead the team through the remainder of the season.
“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,” the release said. “We look forward to his continued involvement in our community and the ongoing success of the Bulldogs.”
**With information provided by the Blackfalds Bulldogs
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