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Ghostriders head coach Jeff Wagner commits to another two years

Fernie Ghostriders head coach Jeff Wagner has committed to another two years with the team.
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Fernie Ghostriders head coach Jeff Wagner has committed to two more years with the team. Phil McLachlan/The Free Press

Fernie Ghostriders head coach Jeff Wagner has committed to another two years with the team.

The organization today announced the extension of Wagner’s contract, nine months after he started with the team. He previously served as assistant coach of the Creston Valley Thundercats.

Reflecting on his first season with the Ghostriders, Wagner said it’s been a positive experience.

“I’ve been here for about nine months at this point, it’s been a really positive experience for me,” said Wagner.

“I’ve really gotten along with the board really well, they give me a lot of freedom to operate the way I want to, and we’ve had a lot of success this season,” he said.

“I think we’ve done a really good job of moving into that puck possession, skilled speed team that I envisioned when I took over the team,” he said. “Before, they were a little bit more of a meat and potatoes, dump and chase, grind it out type style of hockey. As a coaching staff, we’ve done a really good job of bringing certain individuals in that fit that mold, and for the guys returning from last year, they’ve made a very good adjustment to the style that we’re looking to play.”

Wagner explained that when he was offered the extension, it was an easy decision. He also thanked the community of Fernie for opening their arms to not only him, but his family as well.

Ghostriders president Barb Anderson said that the new coach has shown that he has what it takes to lead the team.

“This was Jeff’s first season as a head coach and GM and he has shown through work ethic and hockey knowledge that he is more than capable of coaching and managing our hockey team both on and off the ice,” she said.



Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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