Kings crown new coaching staff

Mario Prusina
Times Editor

 

The Wheatland Kings didn’t have to look far for their new coaching staff, as the team announced a trio of locals to take the helm.
The local junior-B club named Shadoe Stoodley as head coach, while brothers Keenan and Braden Desmet will serve as assistant coaches. Darcy Busslinger was named General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations.
“We are proud to have this group of local men join the organization,” said Mike Langen, President of the Wheatland Kings in a press release. “While the GM and head coaching roles have seemed to be going through a yearly turnover … each of the last three seasons, I think we have been extremely lucky to have the quality individuals we have had in the past seasons.
“I believe that the new appointments fall within this realm as well, as they are quality individuals. We as an organization have been able to secure some really good coaching from within our larger local organization, and they are locals who grew up playing and coaching here.”
After playing his minor and elite level hockey in town, Stoodley then played for the Olds Grizzlies (AMHL) and the SAIT Trojans (ACAC).
After his playing days were over, Stoodley joined the Wheatland Chiefs as an assistant coach. During his time with the local double-A midget team, he captured three championships in five seasons. In his sixth season, Stoodley became the head coach of the Chiefs, where he guided them to the South Division Championship.
The Desmet brothers both played locally in the Wheatland Athletics Association (WAA) and for the UFA Bison (now known as the CFR Bisons in the AMHL). Keenan and Braden went on to have successful junior and minor pro careers.
“They have come from our local double-A program, where they have been for years,” said Langen. “While that is a loss for the WAA, it will give an opportunity to other coaches to see what they can do, and hopefully be stepping stone for Shadoe and his crew to show what they have at the junior level. They have an extremely good track record from their past experience coaching and playing, and I am excited for things to come next year.”