Bruins let head coach go before the season closes
By Michael Wirischagin
With 9 games left on the 2010/11 Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) schedule, the Grand Forks Border Bruins have released general manager and head coach Jesse Dorrans. In a statement issued by the Grand Forks Border Bruins Junior “B” hockey association on their website, borderbruins.ca, the Bruins’ brass indicated that it was in the best interest of the team to relieve Dorrans of his duties. Border Bruins president Jason Odland said, “Jesse informed us about a month ago of his intention to not return to the team for the 2011/12 season, and the members of the Board felt that it was in the best interest of the team and the community to turn the page and start soliciting applications for an experienced new head coach as soon as possible.” Dorrans replaced former head coach and general manager Rob Fitzpatrick who spent four years at the helm of the Bruins from 2006-2009. In Dorrans one-plus seasons of work with the Grand Forks organization he compiled a record of 13 wins – 75 losses – 1 tie – 2 overtime losses. Dorrans entered the hockey starved market of Grand Forks in 2009, and was billed as having a three-year-plan to turn the franchise around and bring the team back to respectability and the playoffs. He was able to attract and retain top-notch talent, however, was never able to mold them into the team necessary to compete in the KIJHL’s Kootenay Conference: Neil Murdoch divisions – the toughest division in the KIJHL. Prior to his tenure with the Border Bruins, Dorrans spent several season with the Castlegar Rebels as assistant coach. Director of Hockey Operations for the Grand Forks Border Bruins Junior “B” Hockey Assosciation and experienced coach, Tom Frith, will take on the coaching duties for the remainder of the season.
The Bruins play their last game of the 2010/11 campaign on Feb. 12 in Invermere.
