Skip to content

Pontiacs say goodbye to Larry Draper

After five years as the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs assistant coach and assistant general manager, Larry Draper is biding the team farewell. “My time with the Pontiacs was great,” Draper expressed.
29.sports. Larry Draper
After five years as assistant coach and manager, Larry Draper was let go by the team this month.

After five years as the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs assistant coach and assistant general manager, Larry Draper is biding the team farewell.


“My time with the Pontiacs was great,” Draper expressed. “I’m okay with the change, and didn’t do anything wrong to prompt this decision.”


Draper saw the team break a number of franchise records during his time in Bonnyville, including 40 wins in a single season and making their first appearance in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) north division championship series. Last year, the team had five former Pontiacs participate in NHL training camps.


Head coach Rick Swan believes Draper’s dedication to the team helped them become one of the best organizations in the country.


“Larry was a big part of the Pontiacs achieving the level of excellence during his time here,” expressed Swan.


Draper ensured the Pontiacs worked hard on and off the ice. Swan said the team dedicated thousands of hours of volunteering in the community thanks to him.


“People know that the men that come to Bonnyville to play for the Pontiacs are going to become better citizens,” Swan explained.


With Draper’s departure, the team is  left short an assistant coach. They’re on the hunt for some fresh blood to join the organization in time for the next season.


“We’re looking for the right fit,” said Swan. “We’re looking for a quality coach that will have strong commitment to the club, and a desire to make the athletes better people.”


So far, they’ve gotten interest from coaches from across Canada. But, who gets the job is ultimately decided by the board.


Draper believes Bonnyville is in-store for an unbelievable season from the Pontiacs.


“I’m a big fan of Bonnyville and everyone involved with the organization,” he expressed.


While Draper isn’t sure what his future holds, he plans on spending the next couple of months refreshing and visiting family.


“I’m looking forward to my next adventure,” he stated. “Change is good for me.”


Swan said the Pontiacs have had a busy summer revamping aspects of the program, and plans on revealing a new logo in the coming weeks.


“I’m really excited about the potential this year has,” he noted. “We’ve got some new players, colours, logo, and outfits. It’s going to be an exciting year for Pontiac fans.”

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks