AMHERST – Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Ramblers coach and general manager Jeff LeBlanc has been named to the 2017 Eastern Canada Cup All-Star Challenge coaching team.
Truro Bearcats head coach Sean Evans is the team’s head coach for the tournament in Trenton, Ont. from Nov. 13 to 15. LeBlanc and Yarmouth Mariners head coach Laurie Barron are his assistants.
“Having experienced the Eastern Canada Cup in the past I know what a well run, fun and challenging event it is,” said Evans, who has 17 years experience in the league and guided the Bearcats to the league championship last spring. “It's an excellent experience for the players chosen from the MHL to participate in.”
LeBlanc is in his third season as head coach of the Ramblers. Prior to his time in Amherst, the 37-year-old from Moncton spent four seasons as the bench boss of the former Dieppe Commandos franchise (now Edmundston Blizzard).
Leblanc guided the Commandos to back to back appearance in the MHL final in 2014 and 2015, winning the championship during the latter season.
It’s been an eventful time recently for Leblanc. In addition to being named to the staff of Team Eastlink, his Ramblers were also named the host team for the 2019 Fred Page Cup earlier this week. For Leblanc, this will be his second straight year representing the MHL at the Eastern Canada Cup.
“Anytime you get to represent the MHL at this type of stage is great honour and privilege,” said Leblanc, who was also named the league’s Coach of the Year in 2014. “Working with the league’s best players and coaches is a treat and I'm grateful for the opportunity.”
Barron has been affiliated with the Yarmouth Mariners and South Shore Lumberjacks during several stints over the course of the past 13 years. Currently in his second season since being rehired by the Mariners, Barron continues to build on a win total that is among the highest in league history.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be part of the Eastern Canada Cup in Trenton this coming November,” Barron commented. “I enjoyed my experience last year and getting a chance to work with top end talent from the MHL against those from Quebec and Ontario is exciting. I also have a lot of respect for both Shawn and Jeff and look forward to working with them.”
Also joining the MHL at the event will be Athletic Therapist Marc Francisco (Valley Wildcats), Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager William Marr (Yarmouth Mariners) and Equipment Manager Steve Lindsay (Truro Bearcats).
The roster for the MHL’s Team Eastlink will be announced in the near future.
