Derek Sweet-Coulter
SWEET-COULTER SIGNS 3-YEAR DEAL WITH EAGLES
The Sicamous Eagles of the KIJHL are proud to announce that Derek Sweet-Coulter has agreed to a 3 year contract and will become the new Head Coach and GM effective immediately.
Sweet-Coulter, who is from Victoria, BC has been involved in junior hockey for over 20 years as a Head Coach. Most recently, he led the Westshore Wolves of the VIJHL for 3 seasons from 2021-2024 and before that he was in the BCHL as Head Coach and GM of the Merritt Centennials from 2019 – 2021.
Sweet-Coulter spent four seasons helping build the Red Lake Miners program in the SIJHL from 2015 – 2019 and was honored as the SIJHL Coach of the Year in 2018. That same year, he was recognized nationally as he was nominated for CJHL Coach of the Year and had the privilege of being an Assistant Coach with Team Canada West at the World Junior A Challenge, where he won a gold medal in 2017 in Truro, NS, and a bronze medal in 2018 in Bonnyville, AB.
Derek takes immense pride in developing hockey players and helping them advance to the next level. Over his coaching career he has helped many players move on to Jr A, WHL, college, and professional levels. He has also worked with minor hockey players, including his time with the OHL Gold Cup in Kitchener, Ontario in 2018, representing Team HNO.
Derek brings a wealth of experience, passion, a strong work ethic, and the motto: Humility, Integrity, and Courage; Building Men for Others, to each season.
EAGLES ANNOUNCE BRADY KELLY AS ASSISTANT COACH
The Sicamous Eagles are pleased to announce the addition of Brady Kelly to the coaching staff as Assistant Coach for the upcoming season.
Originally from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Brady brings a strong playing background and a passion for developing young talent. He played junior hockey with the Peninsula Panthers in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL), where he was part of a championship-winning team—an experience he takes great pride in. After his junior career, Brady continued his playing journey in the BCIHL with the Logan Lake Miners.
Brady shared his enthusiasm for joining the Eagles:
“I am proud to be joining the Sicamous Eagles. Coaching is something I’ve always known I wanted to pursue once my playing career came to an end. Hockey has given me so much over the years; I’m excited for the opportunity to give back and support the growth of young players in the game.
I believe that Sicamous is a great fit for me because of the strong passion and experience that exists within the organization, and I am excited to get started.”
Head Coach & General Manager Derek Sweet-Coulter also expressed his confidence in the hire:
“Brady is a humble young man who is eager to learn and has an incredible passion for the game. He will work closely with our players, building strong relationships and assisting in their development. Brady will be a tremendous asset for the organization.”
Please join us in welcoming Brady
Jeff Vandooyeweert
Jeff is the Eagle Valley Rescue Society deputy chief and our home game trainer.