Please visit our Skills Camp for information on this year's annual camp.

GLOUCESTER GRIFFINS JUNIORS APPOINT NEW, OLD MANAGEMENT TEAM

Staying with what has become a successful formula in recent years, the Gloucester Griffins Junior Lacrosse Club coming off their most successful season in 15 years, decided that major changes to the 2009 Eastern Conference Junior B Coaching Staff of the Year were not required and instead appointed their new Head Coach from within their own ranks. General Manager Dave Smith announced that he was replacing himself as Head Coach by promoting primary Assistant Coach Ron Laurin to the Head Coach’s position. “We are very pleased to have Ron return to us again this year in a new capacity. Ron, after playing with the Junior Griffins, has coached in the Gloucester Minor Lacrosse system for many years and has been an assistant coach with the Junior Club for the last three years. Working closely with Ron last year convinced me that he is totally ready to take over the head coaching role in 2010”, said GM Smith.

While announcing his new Head Coach, Smith also identified some shifting responsibilities among the management staff and the appointment of two new assistant coaches. “We are very happy to be able to maintain continuity in our management and coaching staff which has had a very positive impact upon the continued improvement of our Club’s performance on the floor over the past four years. While Smith will step back from the head coaching role to concentrate on his GM duties he will remain involved as a coaching consultant for the new head man. James Leitch, a brilliant former defensive player with the Griffins and also an assistant with the team over the past three years will return and assume the role as the team’s defensive coordinator. Robbie Woods, who was also a assistant coach over the last three years will voluntarily take a reduced coaching role in 2010 while he focuses on completing his Sports Management course at Algonquin College but will step in to assist the GM with specific duties to gain the practical experience his course requires. Ian Crawford, a former player with the Griffins and the Nepean Junior Knights will return to his role as the teams practice and conditioning coach.

Smith also announced that Mike Jamieson, a former junior player from St. Catherine’s, a long time coach with the Gloucester minor programme and most recently an assistant coach with the Junior A Ottawa Titans for three season, will join the Griffins coaching staff working directly with Ron as the offensive coordinator. “We are extremely pleased to have a coach with Mike’s experience join our staff this year and we look forward to his contribution”. Additionally Smith announced that graduating player, Jeremy Kearns will join the coaching staff as an assistant to the practice coach and team scout as required.

Smith and his new management team leave no doubt that they hope to build on their most recent success and continue the improvement of the team record on floor and the growth of the programme overall. The Griffin’s management is looking forward to the challenge of returning to the playoffs and advancing to the next level in 2010. We hope our fans will continue their great support in the new season.