Medicine Hat Cubs forward Caleb Garrecht splits a pair of Airdrie defenders at the Kinplex in this December file photo. Randy Wong has stepped down from his role as head coach, though he will remain as the organization's general manager. Wong named Hat native Trent Derzaph as his replacement.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
@MedicineHatNews
The Medicine Hat Cubs have made a couple of changes in the hockey operations department.
The local HJHL club announced via release Thursday that head coach and general manager Randy Wong has stepped down from his coaching role after five years behind the Cubs bench. As a result, the Cubs have hired Trent Derzaph to fill the position. He will coach alongside Johnny Stehr who will return for his sixth year with the Cubs, moving into an associate head coach position.
Wong has coached hockey for 28 years, behind the bench with the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers, Brooks Bandits as well as Medicine Hat Minor Hockey. He will remain as the Cubs’ general manager.
“The time is right to step down and give Trent and Johnny and opportunity to lead this team to an HJHL championship,” Wong said in a release. “The foundation and culture is very solid and we have a great group of players returning. I have enjoyed my five years with the Cubs and my 28 years of coaching hockey in this community. It’s time to focus on my family and I’m very fortunate to leave the bench knowing that the players will be in good hands with Trent and Johnny.”
Derzaph is a Medicine Hat product and has 15 years of experience in coaching and developing players in southern Alberta. He is the owner of Surge Hockey, a Power Edge Pro Hockey school based out of Medicine Hat.
“Trent has been fortunate to share his knowledge with all levels of hockey and all ages,” the release reads. “From beginner level to major junior, to professional players, Trent’s camps are fun, motivating and full of skill development.”
