AJHL Announces league MVP, Rookie of the Year and Coach of the Year
February 26th, 2020 @ 10:57 am
Photo Credits to Chad Goddard Photography
Coach of the Year, Presented by Finning Canada
The 2019-20 Alberta Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year is Okotoks Oilers General Manager & Head Coach Tyler Deis. With a record of 47-7-4, the Oilers are in a heated battle for the regular season title and have clinched first place in the Viterra AJHL South Division for the fourth time in franchise history.
Tyler Deis is concluding his seventh season with the Oilers organization, and his fourth season in the role of General Manager & Head Coach. In 2017-18 Tyler was awarded as both the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Canadian Junior Hockey League Coach of the Year.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Tyler Deis, the Oilers have finished first in the AJHL South Division twice (2017-18, 2019-20), advanced to the Division Final three times (2017, 2018, 2019) and the League Final in 2018.
?Tyler is totally dedicated to our players, staff and organization,? said Okotoks Oilers President Wayne Lauinger. ?He has enhanced the Oilers program to create opportunity for prospective players and staff through his positive mentorship and development. Tyler gives unselfishly as a coach and a leader to prepare those around him for the next level?.
Deis is supported by Associate Coach / Assistant General Manager Kyle Schussler and Assistant Coach / Assistant Director of Hockey Development Reid Hnatowich.
Tyler is an experienced teacher and coach with a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education from Minnesota State University. After playing his Junior hockey in the SJHL, Deis played NCAA Division I hockey then began his professional playing career in the ECHL for five seasons. Upon returning to Canada in 2005, he started his teaching and coaching career at the Edge School. Combined with winning many titles during his time as Head Coach at the Edge, Deis put his name to both a Midwest Prep Hockey League Championship and the Canadian Sport School Hockey League Championship.
2019-2020 Award Finalists: Tyler Deis – Okotoks Oilers, Clayton Jardine – Camrose Kodiaks, Shawn Martin – Whitecourt Wolverines, Adam Manah – Sherwood Park Crusaders
2018-2019 Award Winner: Ryan Papaioannou, Brooks Bandits