 SHANE KUSS---Since returning from playing professional hockey in Sweden, his experience at the Vancouver Canucks training Camp in 2000, Shane has dedicated his time helping young aspiring hockey players reach their goals. Under his guidance the Delta Ice Hawks Junior Hockey Club has reached the playoff finals 3 out of 4 years, and receiving the leagues Coach of the year award 2 years in a row. Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawk's 1 st round NHL draft pick), Keith Seabrook, Victor Bartley (Kamloops Blazers), Mitch Bartley (Vancouver Giants) and most recently Milan Lucic (Vancouver Giants) and Ethan Cox (Powell River Paper Kings) have all started their junior careers under Shane's guidance. His experience playing and coaching at high levels along with a development first attitude is an asset for any young hockey player deciding which program is for them.
Playing Career
- Played minor Hockey in South Delta
- Won Bantam AAA Provincials
- Drafted by the Kamloops Blazers
- South Surrey Eagles (League Champions, Doyle Cup Champions)
- All-time leading scorer in BCHL (418 points)
- All-time leading assists in BCHL
- 3 straight one hundred plus seasons (107,123,140)
- 3 straight all-star appearances
- Had Jersey retired with the South Surrey Eagles BCHL
- Attended Vancouver Canucks NHL training Camp in 2000
- Played Professional Hockey in Sweden and the United States
Coaching Career
- Named Head Coach Surrey Eagles - January 2007 (read more)
- Head Coach Delta Ice Hawks Junior Hockey Club 2000-2007
- Asst Coach Delta Ice Hawks Junior Hockey Club 1998-2000
- Regular season Champions 2004 & 2006
- Appeared in the League finals 5 out of 6 years
- 2006 League, Playoff, and Provincial Champions in the PIJHL
- Coach of the Year in Pacific International Junior Hockey League in 2001 and 2002
- 10 plus years Director of Hockey Programs
- Coached players such as BRENT SEABROOK (Chicago Blackhawk’s), Troy Brouwer (Chicago Blackhawks), Keith Seabrook (Washington Capitals), Milan Lucic (Boston Bruins)
- Intermediate level certificate
DANNY FORTUNA---Danny played minor hockey in South Delta before making the jump to the Delta Ice Hawks of the PIJHL where he captained the Ice Hawks to a league championship title. Danny continues his passion of the game by Asst. Coaching the Ice Hawks and instructing hockey schools for the past 5 years. He also continues to attend Kwantlen College where he is working on his business degree.
SAM DAWSON---Growing up in Ladner, Sam played his minor hockey in South Delta before moving up to play junior hockey in the PIJHL and then moving up to the BCHL. Sam now dedicates his time coaching hockey in his hometown of South Delta.
***COACHING NEWS***
Ice Hawks coach flies to Eagles' nest
By Mark Booth
Shane Kuss has left the Delta Ice Hawks to step behind the bench of a team he once starred as a player for. The all-time leading scorer in the B.C. Hockey League is back in the junior "A" circuit after agreeing on Thursday to take over the head coaching duties of the Surrey Eagles, following the resignation of Rick Hillier.
Kuss made his debut last night against Cowichan Valley and will be back at it tomorrow when the Eagles host Prince George at South Surrey Arena.
Although the 30-year-old is listed as an interim head coach, there's a good chance the position will become permanent, depending on how the Eagles play over the final month of the regular season and playoffs. They currently sit in last place 16-26-0-2 record and were blasted 8-2 by Burnaby in Hillier's final game on Tuesday.
Kuss has enjoyed a decorated six-year tenure with the Ice Hawks, leading them to five playoff finals. Last season was the best in franchise history, culminating with the provincial junior "B" championship and a third place finish at the Westerns.
"Coaching is a tough business and, day in and day out, you don't know what's going to be next.
"This came as a complete surprise and the only thing I know is I'm going there (on Friday morning) to introduce myself to the players and take them through a pre-game skate."
Kuss' longtime assistant Roger Ross will be taking over the Ice Hawks head coaching vacancy for the balance of the season, with assistant Dan Fortuna also staying onboard. "It will be business as usual for us," said general manager Peter Idema. "Roger has a ton of experience and maybe the kids realize this is a great opportunity for them knowing where Shane is.
"We wish him well and will endevour to continue the record of excellence that he has so clearly established in making the Ice Hawks one of the premier junior "B" hockey teams in the province."
Kuss will be reunited with two of his former players - Adam Hartley and Adam Basford - who both had prominent roles in the Ice Hawks title run a year ago.
"I know quite a few of the guys there and have been somewhat following the league," said Kuss. "We have a difficult stretch of games coming up and it's going to be tough.
"It's a weird time of year for this to happen but it's an opportunity I've been given. I will have to get the guys familiar with my system and hopefully they respond to it.
Kuss added the ingredients are in place for his former team to repeat as Pacific International Junior Hockey League champions. "They are in good hands with Roger and Danny. The talent is definitely there for them to do it again. They just need to be willing and prepared to work hard every game."
Mark Booth
Sports Editor
Richmond News/Delta Optimist
|
