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UPDATE: Dupas resigns as Oil Barons coach and GM

Last Updated Aug 2, 2019 at 4:13 pm MDT

Fort McMurray Oil Barons bench/Dan Lines Photography

The Fort McMurray Oil Barons announced Dave Dupas has resigned as head coach and general manager.

In a statement, Dupas said it’s due to personal and family reasons.

“This was a difficult decision for me because I have the upmost respect for the Oil Barons’ organization. Fort McMurray has been very welcoming to me and my family,” said Dupas who will stay on as an advisor to the organization.

The team named Dupas the coach and GM earlier this off-season after the club parted ways with Tom Keca after four seasons.

Assistant Coach Bob Beatty will now assume the role of head coach and general manager.

Beatty was hired at the end of May to serve as part of Dupas’ coaching staff.

Dupas came to the Oil Barons as an assistant coach for the 2015-16 season after previously coaching the Prince George Spruce Kings of the BCHL for five seasons.

“The opportunity to come to the Casman Centre every day to coach the Oil Barons is an honour that is shared by few people. Going forward, I know that the team is in great hands under Bob’s leadership,” said Dupas. 

Family comes first

Oil Barons President David Fitzgerald understands Dupas’s decision.

He said, “above all, family comes first.”

“Dave informed me of an opportunity that would allow him to be closer to his family in Kelowna. Although he served as our Head Coach and General Manager for a short period of time, his knowledge and professionalism this offseason has been exceptionally valuable.”

Fitzgerald added the organization will make further comments about the coaching staff closer to the season.

“With many years of Junior A coaching experience, Dave and Bob share the same vision that supports the culture of our hockey club. We believe that this shared vision will help with the transition as we prepare for the season ahead.”

The MOB open the AJHL season at home against Grande Prairie on Sept. 13, 2019.