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Tom Keca to re-establish Keyano Huskies hockey programs

Last Updated Jul 4, 2019 at 9:59 am MDT

PHOTO. Supplied. Jonathan Lambert, Director of Athletics, Sport and Student Wellness, welcomes Tom Keca to Keyano College. Keca, the former Fort McMurray Oil Barons Coach, has been hired as a Huskies Coach as part of the college’s application to reestablish a hockey program.

Tom Keca has been hired to re-establish the Keyano Huskies Men’s hockey program, which was cut as a cost-saving measure in April 2016, and start a new women’s hockey program.

Keca, who is an alumni of Keyano, will work alongside the college’s athletic director Jonathan Lambert to create a community advisory committee.

“I know the College wants to build a sustainable program, but as part of that, we’ll have to convince the community that we’re here for the long haul,” said Keca.

As the former head coach, assistant coach and general manager of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, Keca brings with him more than 13 years of experience with the team.

He was also head coach of the AJHL’s Lloydminster Bobcats.

Lambert expressed his excitement in a statement issued by the college.

“His passion for hockey and for the community is a huge benefit, and his hiring represents a giant leap forward in our effort to bring hockey back to Keyano. His connection with the community’s local hockey coaches will add greatly to the already large impact on grass root development of sport that our Keyano coaches have in our region.”

Keca will build the program from the ground up and will assist in putting together the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) bid.

The college hopes to have a team ready for the 2020-21 season.