Colts Tap Former NHLer, Spitfires Exec, As Head Coach

Warren Rychel to Mind Team For Dale Hawerchuk

The Barrie Colts have named a new head coach.

Warren Rychel has been brought in to take over coaching duties, following the departure of long-time Head Coach Dale Hawerchuk.

“With Dale Hawerchuk taking a leave from behind the bench, we felt we needed to bring in a seasoned hockey veteran to help lead the team this year. We consulted with many people, including Dale Hawerchuk, and we all agreed that Warren is the right man for the job”, said Howie Campbell, President of the Colts. “It’s been a very difficult couple of weeks, but we are confident that Warren can help guide us to where we need to be. We’ve been building this team for a while and we feel we have the team to have a good run this year”, he added.

Rychel comes from Windsor, where he was an owner and General Manager of the Spitfires from 2006 to 2019, leading the team to two OHL championships. He was named OHL Executive of the Year in 2009, and as an NHL player, helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup in 1996.

Rychel has some history with the Colts; He helmed the Spitfires during a contentious playoff series with the Colts in 2010. Some animosity in the series came from the Colts drafting Rychel’s son, Kerby, who never played for the Colts. He instead wound up back with the Spitfires following a series of trades.

Banner photo courtesy OHL

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