By Pat Shields
August 15th, 2018
BURLINGTON, ON
With the departure of Chad Wiseman to the OHL’s Guelph Storm, Burlington Cougars General Manager Alex Bezerra announces the hiring of Mark Jooris for the 2018/19 season.
“As an organization we would like to wish Chad the best of luck this season with the Guelph Storm. We are very excited to announce the hiring of Mark Jooris as our new Head Coach. Mark has a familiarity with our organization and will do a great job with this group of players.” said Bezerra.
Jooris, a Burlington native, will re-join the Cougars after serving as Head Coach and General Manager in 2009-10, and 2015-2017. He was awarded OJHL and OHA Coach of the Year honours in his 2015-16 campaign, and was 2016-17 OJHL Coach of the Year Runner-Up. After suiting up for the Cougars in the 1981-82 season, Jooris went on to a very successful NCAA career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and played professionally in Finland, Germany, Switzerland and the American Hockey League (AHL).
“I am extremely excited and honored for the opportunity to re-join the Cougars; this is an exciting time for the organization and we hope to continue to build on the winning tradition here.” commented Jooris.
“Mark is a well-known hockey person in our community and brings a wealth of experience and knowledge. His positive attitude and strong work ethic will be a great example to our players on how to be a successful student-athlete. Our organization is dedicated to the advancement and success of our players and we know that Mark will be a huge part of that.” added Bezerra.
Jooris as a player
The Cougars start their training camp this week with two days of prospect scrimmages before the team begins their Exhibition schedule Thursday night in Brantford (7:30pm Puck Drop).
Exhibition Schedule:
Thursday, August 17 @ Brantford 7:30pm – Wayne Gretzky Arena
Sunday, August 19 vs Brantford 3:00pm – Wave Twin Rinks, Burlington
Thursday, August 23 @ Mississauga 7:45pm – Tomken Twin
Saturday, August 25 vs Buffalo 4:00pm- Wave Twin Rinks, Burlington
Sunday, August 26 @ Buffalo 4:30pm – Harborcenter
Friday, August 31 vs Mississauga 7:30pm – Wave Twin Rinks, Burlington
The Cougars kick off their 2018/19 season during the Home Opening Weekend (September 7-8).
