Kent Lewis, who guided the Powell River Kings to their greatest achievements, has been relieved of his duties as head coach and general manager of the Powell River Kings of the B.C. Hockey League. The decision was made by the board of directors at a recent meeting.
The Kings are winless in their last three games but are 23-15-9 and in second place in the Island Division, two points behind the leading Victoria Grizzlies, and two ahead of the third-place Nanaimo Clippers. The Kings have a game in hand on Victoria and two on Nanaimo. All three teams have clinched playoff berths.
Lewis was at the helm for the team’s seven Coastal Conference championships and has helped move numerous players to the NCAA and pro hockey. The 51-year-old had been head coach of the Kings for 18 seasons, the latter stretch as head coach and GM.
Lewis was honoured in 2011 after recording his 500th career win in the BCHL. He has also been head coach of the Nanaimo Clippers and Victoria Salsa of the BCHL after a WHL playing career with the Victoria Cougars.
“We [Board] just felt this course of action was in the best interests of the Powell River Kings moving forward”, said board president Rob Villani, in a statement.
“It was an incredibly difficult decision.”
Assistant coach Brock Sawyer has been promoted to interim head coach for Powell River. He will control the bench as the Kings visit the Wenatchee Wild on Wednesday in Washington state. Kyle Bodie will remain on as assistant coach.
