The Cowichan Capitals are pleased to announce the hiring of Mike Vandekamp as the team’s new head coach and general manager.
Vandekamp brings a wealth of experience to the Capitals, with 23 season of Junior hockey in the BCHL, WHL and AJHL, having coached over 1,475 games. He has taken his teams to league finals eight times and most recently spent seven seasons as the head coach of the Nanaimo Clippers.
“Mike’s goal is to improve the Capitals both on and off the ice,” says Caps owner Ray Zhang.
“I’ve always loved this rink; we are going to do everything we can to make it the toughest rink to play in as a visiting team and a place where the fans can come and be proud of their local team’s effort every night,” says Vandekamp.
A native of Fort. St. John, B.C., Vandekamp has been married to his wife Lana for 17 years and they have two children, Carter who will soon be 15 and Katie who is turning 13. Lana volunteered many hours helping organize the team’s parents’ weekend and other social functions. She is looking forward to being part of the Capitals Family.
Mike will begin working immediately on the team’s hockey operations.
Former general manager and head coach, Brian Passmore, will remain with the Capitals in the position of hockey development. This position will have Brian involved with the Capitals U16 program and other youth hockey initiatives.
