FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Ottawa, ON – The Ottawa Jr. Senators have hired Kyle Makaric as the new Head Coach of the team for the 2021-2022 season.
“I am very excited to be joining the OJS program, said the newly named bench boss. With the history, success, and culture established here, it was a position that really caught my eye. As a coach coming into a situation like this, you want to follow the path and foundation that Marty (Dagenais) and his staff have built and keep the momentum that has been gained over the past few seasons. In my initial research and phone conversations about the league and the OJS program, I found out pretty quickly how well respected the team is and how it is viewed around the Ottawa area and throughout Ontario. I am looking forward to getting up there and getting to work.”
Following 31 games of USports hockey, Makaric transitioned his focus to coaching. As the Head Coach of the Windsor Midget AAA team for four seasons, he guided the team to three-first place finishes and captured two Silver Sticks, a 2017 Alliance Championship, and ended with a silver medal at the 2017 Telus Regionals. Makaric was also an assistant coach with Team Alliance for the 2017 OHL Gold Cup and was a guest coach for the 2017 World Under-17 Development Camp.
“I am excited to welcome Kyle to the organization,” said Jr. Senators General Manager Jamie Mayo. “His knowledge, enthusiasm, and passion for the game will benefit our players and staff. I look forward to working together with Kyle along with the rest of our coaches to continue the winning tradition here with OJS.”
Makaric succeeds Martin Dagenais, who accepted a coaching position with the OHL’s Ottawa 67’s late last month. As the organization embraces a new beginning, the foundation will remain the same under a new regime.
“Generally speaking the team will play with a high compete level and be prepared for any scenario that gets thrown at us, added Makaric. The players will be empowered to make decisions and play to their strengths to benefit the team-first mentality that leads to both individual and team success.”
The CCHL enters its 61st consecutive season, continuing to be the longest-running Junior A league in Canada with the Jr. Senators beginning the season on September 24th in Brockville.
The Jr. Senators commence training camp this week, with back-to-back preseason games scheduled against the Navan Grads taking place this Friday and Saturday.
Stay up to date with all OJS news by following the team on its social media platforms.
Photos courtesy of Kyle Makaric
