Monday, Jun 06, 2016 10:58 am
By: Remy Greer
An exhaustive search yielded the top candidate right under the nose of the Okotoks Oilers.
Tyler Deis was introduced as the fourth head coach in the history of the Okotoks Oilers on Monday after two seasons heading up the team’s Hockey Development program.
“I think one of the biggest reasons the decision was made is because I've worked with a lot of the players on the Oilers with the development program,” Deis said. “I think it will make for an easier transition. They know what I'm all about and the intangible aspects I bring out when they come and work with me.
“That relationship with the existing players is already there.”
Following the resignation of former bench boss James Poole in April, the Oilers received 66 applications for the post and narrowed it down to a shortlist of six finalists in what was an extensive pursuit to fill the vacancy.
“We wanted to have it done right away just for the players, for the community,” said Oilers president Brad Robson. “It's important for the hockey club that everyone knows the direction we're going this year, next year and the year after. We have to get better and it starts this year.”
The combination of familiarity, continuity and a well versed background in hockey and education made Deis the best candidate Robson interviewed during the process.