The Eagle Drilling Estevan Bruins hockey club has announced they have relieved head coach and general manager Karry Biette of his duties. Bruins' president Jeff Pierson asked Biette for his resignation on Monday morning.
Assistant coach Chad Leslie will take over behind the bench for the remainder of the season. General managing duties will be split between Leslie and director of player personnel, Rick Oakes. Sean Garagan will remain with the team as an assistant coach, as will the training staff.
Biette's dismissal comes after the Bruins dropped two of three games against the Weyburn Red Wings over the weekend, and 12 of their last 16 overall. They currently sit in fourth place in the Sherwood Conference with a record of 18-16-2-2 and 40 points, three behind second place Weyburn.
Pierson said the decision was not an easy one, but the Bruins' executive felt it was necessary given the team's performance over the past month.
"We remain confident that the club is among the most talented in the SJHL," said Pierson. "However, the team underachieved and we came to the conclusion that a change was needed.
"Chad has an excellent relationship with the players and will bring a fresh perspective to the team. As an alumni, he is committed to seeing the club has a strong finish to the regular season and a long playoff run."
Pierson went on to thank Biette for his service to the hockey club.
"It would be tough to find someone more dedicated to the organization than Karry," said Pierson. "He has done an excellent job as general manager handling the day-to-day business of the club. However that has not translated to wins as of late and we felt it was time to make this decision.
In an interview with The Mercury, newly named head coach Leslie said although he's excited to take over the reins, he's sad to see Biette go.
"It's very bitter-sweet," Leslie said. "Karry gave me a start here in Estevan and he was very good to me. He showed me and told me a lot of things and we've grown to have a pretty good friendship so it's an awfully tough day for me, but going forward I'm extremely excited."
