Rylan Ferster has resigned after one season as coach and general manager of the Revelstoke Grizzlies, the team announced Wednesday.
Ferster stepped down after his first season, during which he led a young team to a 40-9-0-1 season and the conference finals in the playoffs.
This marks the second summer in a row the Grizzlies have lost their coach and general manager in the off-season. Ferster replaced Troy Mick, who resigned last summer after leading the team to the Keystone Cup in 2010.
Ferster came to the Grizzlies last summer from the Junior A Salmon Arm Silverbacks.
In a statement posted to their website, the Grizzlies said they would be announcing a replacement in the coming days.
Here is a copy of the statement by Ferster that the Revelstoke Grizzlies posted to their website:
Spending just one season in Revelstoke seemed to go by quite quick, meeting many wonderful people and fans. We had an incredible year, winning 40 games and going to the conference finals – all with one of the youngest teams in the league.
I want to thank the current ownership of Mike Roberts, Lewis Hendrickson and Joe Kozek for letting me be a part of it and to continue on the great foundation that was laid with the championship season in 2009. Also, a special thank you to Troy Mick who not only gave me the opportunity to take over but helped out in so many ways along the way.
To all my hockey staff, Randy Quakenbush, Darren Komonoski, Rob Miskiman, Don Watt, Bruce and Cheryl Fry for volunteering so many hours as we could never have done it without you and also to the off-ice staff, Tammy and Courtney Kaler, the booster club, off-ice officials, game night staff for keeping things smooth as we played. The media for keeping all of Revelstoke informed, Steve Smith from E-Z Rock, Mavis Cann from Revelstoke Times Review. Thank you to Amy Guidinger of Helios Fitness as well.
A special thank you to the billets, sponsors, Trans-Canada Fitness and to Revelstoke Secondary School for all of your continued support of our hockey program. Revelstoke is and will continue to be a flagship franchise in the KIJHL.
The Times Review will have more on this story.
