OLDS — Scott Atkinson is the new Olds Grizzlys head coach and general manager (GM).
Atkinson was hired by the Grizzlys on Jan. 24 and introduced to the news media on Monday, Jan. 27 during a news conference at the Olds Sportsplex.
He replaces Joe Murphy who resigned as head coach and GM of the Olds Grizzlys on Jan. 13.
Pete deGraaf served as interim head coach while the club searched for a replacement.
Over a lengthy career, Atkinson coached teams at Mount Royal College (now Mount Royal University), the University of Calgary, Edge Hockey Academy & Salmon Arm of the BCHL.
After Atkinson became head coach of the Mount Royal Cougars men’s team in 1991, the team won five ACAC and two CCAA national championships.
During his eight-year tenure at Mount Royal College, Atkinson compiled a 161-57-8 win-loss-tie record.
He was voted ACAC Coach of the Year in 1992-93.
Management liked his history and his focus on local players.
“He’s very keen about locals, so Central Alberta kids. That’s his bread and butter," Olds Grizzlys president Darcy Dallas said.
“You’re not going to see a bunch of kids from the U.S. up here to fill spots that he knows that Central Alberta kids can take.”
