Spruce Kings relieve Alex Evin of head coaching duties

The Prince George Spruce Kings are making a change behind the bench.

This morning (Monday), General Manager Mike Hawes relieved Alex Evin of his coaching duties, ending an eight-year-run with the BCHL club.

“Days like this are never easy but unfortunately, they are a part of our business at times. Alex is an incredibly passionate hard-working coach who did everything he could do for the success of this organization for 8 seasons including playing a huge role in our 2019 championship season. In my mind, at no point did I ever question Alex’s work ethic or his commitment to our organization. In his time here Alex played a huge role in the development of many young athletes who went on to play NCAA hockey and who became better young men because of Alex’s coaching, guidance and mentorship. Part of my job as the General Manager is to recognize when a change is needed. We are at that point now. This team is better than our record. A lot of that responsibility falls on the play of our players. As a group they have underachieved. They are all smart enough to know that.”

Evin joined the Spruce Kings as an associate coach in 2017-18 after spending time with Alberni Valley Bulldogs.

Evin was a part of the coaching staff under previous bench boss Adam Maglio during the Spruce Kings two-best years in the BCHL, a finals appearance against the Wenatchee Wild in 2018 followed by a Fred Page Cup and Doyle Cup titles a year later upending the Vernon Vipers and Brooks Bandits.

PG was one win away from claiming the 2019 National Junior A Championship in Brooks, Alberta but lost in the final to the host Bandits.

Evin took over as head coach in 2019-2020 after Maglio departed for the WHL’s Spokane Chiefs.

During his tenure, he complied a mark of 108-119-15-16.

Associate Coach Brad Tesink has been named the interim head coach until a replacement is found.