Blumes relieved of coaching duties

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Wheatland Kings Junior Hockey Club has released Jeremy Blumes from his coaching duties after only one season at the helm.
According to Dale Peters, the manager of the Wheatland Kings, the club was in need of structure, which he felt stems from loyalty to the community and individual development.
“The feeling we have is we want to move in a different direction,” said Peters. “We wanted to make the change before hockey camp and the season started. We wanted to make change for Jeremy because there are still some spots around.”
Blumes most notably led the team into game seven of the second round of the post-season against the Coaldale Copperheads.
“I think from a hockey standpoint and not being there last year, there was some success last year and there was some success on the ice,” said Peters. “But I think that success is as much on the players as it is on the coaching staff. We just decided to move in a different direction. It’s not saying we didn’t appreciate everything Jeremy has done for this organization because we do.”
Blumes was caught off guard, having fully expected to return this season to improve upon the progress that was made last season.
“Naturally, within a first year our team experienced a great deal of ups and downs during the course of the season but I believe those lessons would prove to be invaluable entering the 2015-16 season,” said Blumes in a press release. “Being fired at the end of July is unfortunate for myself as most coaching opportunities typically become available well before this date. I am now searching for the next challenge. Despite being close to the start of the 2015-2016 season I intend on coaching, as coaching is my true passion and I cannot imagine not being a part of a team in some capacity during the upcoming hockey season.”
He would like to thank the Kings for the opportunity and wishes the organization all the best next season.