Introduction
Hockey is a sport deeply ingrained in the hearts of Canadians. From the young age of three or four, children lace up their skates and hit the ice. Some of these kids go on to be great hockey players, while others become hockey coaches. In the case of Greg Hawgood, he did both. With his impressive career as a hockey star, he now stands as a coaching legend. Let’s have a closer look at his journey.
Early Years
Greg Hawgood was born on January 10, 1968, in Edmonton, Alberta. The Canadian played in the Western Hockey League from 1983 to 1988. Hawgood was a prolific scorer for the Kamloops Blazers, and his excellent play got the attention of scouts.
A Career as a Player
Greg Hawgood’s professional career as a player started in 1988 when he was drafted by the Boston Bruins. Hawgood played 113 games in the National Hockey League (NHL), where he tallied 16 goals and 47 assists. He also played for different minor leagues like the International Hockey League (IHL) and the American Hockey League (AHL).
Turning to Coaching
After retiring from playing professional hockey, Hawgood turned to coaching. Without any prior coaching experience, he started coaching at Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Chilliwack Bruins. He eventually became their head coach in 2007.
Coaching Career
Greg Hawgood had a successful coaching career as an assistant coach with the Portland Winterhawks, where he won a WHL championship in 2013. He also returned to Chilliwack as an assistant coach. Hawgood then moved on to become a head coach for the Nanaimo Clippers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL).
Great Success
Greg Hawgood’s greatest success as a coach came with the Prince George Spruce Kings. He won two BCHL titles with that team and led them to the finals of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. Hawgood became the Winningest coach in the Spruce Kings franchise history.
Hawgood as a Mentor
Greg Hawgood is not only a successful coach but also a mentor. He has been instrumental in guiding several young hockey players to success, including Tanner Cochrane, who he helped develop into a BCHL All-Star.
Legacy
Greg Hawgood’s legacy is his contribution to the game of hockey. He is a coach who has transformed the lives of many young hockey players. He has shown that with perseverance and commitment, one can become a successful coach.
Awards and Achievements
Greg Hawgood’s many successes have been recognized through awards and achievements. He was a two-time winner of the BCHL’s Coastal Conference Coach of the Year award, and he won the Canadian Junior Hockey League’s Coach of the Year award in 2018.
Conclusion
Greg Hawgood’s decades-long journey from a hockey star to a coaching legend is undoubtedly impressive. His contribution to the game of hockey is significant, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
FAQs
Q1: What was Greg Hawgood’s position when he played in the NHL?
A1: Greg Hawgood was a defenceman when he played in the NHL.
Q2: What team did Greg Hawgood win a WHL championship with?
A2: Greg Hawgood won a WHL championship with the Portland Winterhawks.
Q3: Was Greg Hawgood always a coach?
A3: No, Greg Hawgood started his career as a player in the NHL.
Q4: How many BCHL titles did Greg Hawgood win?
A4: Greg Hawgood won two BCHL titles with the Prince George Spruce Kings.
Q5: What was Greg Hawgood’s role as an assistant coach for the Nanaimo Clippers?
A5: Greg Hawgood was a head coach for the Nanaimo Clippers.