(Supplied photo/ Blackfalds Bulldogs)

By Ian Gustafson

Coaching change

Doug Quinn steps down as Blackfalds Bulldogs head coach

Dec 17, 2024 | 7:07 PM

The Blackfalds Bulldogs announced on Tuesday that owner Doug Quinn has resigned as head coach of the team.

In an official statement from the Bulldogs, they say he considered retiring before the start of the season but decided to stay because it was their first full season in the British Columbia Hockey League.

This allowed him to help prepare the coaching and hockey operations staff for his departure.

“His leadership during this pivotal time has been invaluable, and the Bulldogs are deeply grateful for his dedication and guidance,” as stated in the release.

Assistant coach Brady Bakke and Associate coach Ryan Tobler will handle take on head coaching duties for the remainder of the season and Quinn has expressed full confidence in them.

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Since the Bulldogs inaugural season of Junior A hockey in 2021, they reached the divisional final in the 2022-23 season, the BCHL Alberta division final in the 2023-24, and achieved back to back 39-win seasons.

However, this season the Bulldogs have struggled posting a 2-23-1-0 record and are in last place before the Christmas break.

“The Bulldogs organization would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Coach Quinn for his tireless efforts in bringing Junior A hockey to Central Alberta and specifically to the Town of Blackfalds,” as stated in the release.

“His contributions have not only elevated the team but also strengthened the community’s passion for hockey.”

While Quinn is stepping down as head coach, he will continue to serve as an active and proud representative of the Bulldogs in the Central Alberta community.

“The Blackfalds Bulldogs thank coach Quinn for his years of outstanding leadership and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement from coaching. We look forward to his continued involvement in our community and the ongoing success of the Bulldogs.”