For Immediate Release
Powell River, British Columbia
Kings Hire New Head Coach
General Manager and Head Coach Tyler Kuntz has decided to part ways with the Powell River Kings at the end of this season. Tyler has been in this role for the past two seasons and brought a new teaching mindset to the organization. His focus was on the growth and development of each individual player as well as the team. He wanted to fill the dressing room with players who wanted to take that next step and play NCAA, and he succeeded. Tyler made a huge commitment to the organization by moving away from his young family to fulfill his role with the Kings. “I have decided I need to do what is best for my family. These past couple of years have taken a toll and as much as I love the organization, the players and the city of Powell River, it just isn’t feasible to continue to commute to see my young family. I would like to thank the players, the staff, the amazing fans and sponsors as well as the organization for an amazing two years and I want to wish everyone much success moving forward,” said Kuntz.
The Powell River Kings organization would like to thank Tyler for all of his dedication and contributions to the team and we wish him and his family all the best in the future.
With the departure of Kuntz, the Kings are excited to announce that Brock Sawyer has accepted the role of Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Brock is an active member of our community and has been with the Kings for the past 6 seasons starting off as a volunteer Assistant Coach, Assistant Coach, Interim Head Coach where he coached the team to an Island Division Championship and took the team to round 3 of the BCHL playoffs in 2018. Brock has been the Associate General Manager and Associate Coach for the past two seasons. Prior to getting into coaching, Brock played for the Powell River Kings for one and a half seasons from 2006 – 2008, and then he went on to play NCAA Division III hockey at Elmira College, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduating, he went on to play professional hockey for the Fayetteville Fireants and the Hunstville Havoc of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Brock’s knowledge of the game along with his many years of experience will bring continuity moving forward. “I am excited for the Board’s trust in appointing me Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. I look forward to building a successful team for our community. When we get though the pandemic, I look forward to meeting our sponsors, our season ticket holders and fans who are loyal and supportive of our efforts. Stay Safe and take care of each other.”
Rob Villani, Powell River Kings President, had this to say about the hire, “In the up and coming challenging times it was our decision not to make any drastic changes and keep the continuity of our organization by building from within. Brock knows what the organization expects from him, as the head coach, and we have full confidence that Brock can take us to the next level with his knowledge he has gained from working with Tyler over the past two seasons.”
Please join the Powell River Kings organization in welcoming Brock Sawyer to his new role.
