Cougars hunt for new head coach

In a surprising decision made the morning of March 17, Cougar’s men’s hockey coach Jean Laforest stepped down due to personal reasons.

The news comes after six seasons with the club, and this season Laforest led his squad to their first playoff berth in the Canada West conference.

After six and nearly twice as many wins as losses, Jean LaForest has closed the book on his career with the Cougars. Photo courtesy: Mount Royal University

In his career with the Cougars, Laforest achieved an impressive record of 100-54-6-8 combining the records from the Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference (ACAC) and the Canada West University Athletic Association (CWUAA).

During his four seasons in the ACAC, he led the Cougars to four medals (1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze) including an ACAC Championship in 2010-11. In just their second season in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), the Cougars made the playoffs and nearly advanced to the CWUAA semi-finals.

“I will always have fond memories of my time here at Mount Royal. They have been some of the most enjoyable years of my hockey life,” said Laforest in a statement the morning of March 17.

“I would like to thank everyone at the university, especially those within the athletic department. Their support of my family and I, during this difficult transition in my life will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Athletic director Karla Karch said, “On behalf of Cougar Athletics we would like to sincerely thank Jean for his dedication and commitment to our men’s hockey program. He will be leaving the program on solid ground both academically and athletically.

“His leadership of this program has been outstanding. We wish Jean all the best moving forward and have let him know that he will always have a place in the Cougar family.”

So what does the offseason hold from Mount Royal’s men’s hockey program? Do they promote from within or actively seek outside talent? Former assistant coach Robert Godfrey has been named the interim coach for next season.