Coach Glenn Anderson Makes Difficult Decision to Step Away from Kings Bench

Head Coach Glenn Anderson will be stepping away from his current positions in the Kings organization as of Wednesday, October 23, 2024.  

Personal considerations and long standing prior commitments have converged in a manner that would prevent Coach Anderson’s continued presence on the King’s bench. “I would have to miss a large portion of this season to juggle certain unexpected personal affairs and other part-time commitments that I took on years before joining the Kings; this would be unfair to the players and the coaching staff who have worked exceptionally hard to prepare for and advance our team goals and objectives for this season. My decision does not come easy and has come on the heels of difficult considerations.” said Coach Anderson. 

It is with unconditional support that the entire Kings organization expresses their understanding of and respect for Coach Anderson’s decision to step away, including the underlying private and personal aspects that precipitated the choice. Team President Stephan Seeger remarked: “We are sincerely grateful for all that Glenn has brought to the franchise since joining the team last season, including his leadership as well as the positive influences he has fostered among players, staff and our management group as a whole.”   

In stepping away, the 6 time Stanley Cup Champion and Hall of Famer noted, “I love Powell River, all the fans and the people I have met during my tenure. I will remain close in other ways and in spirit of course, rooting for the boys’ success. I’ll still be here in town for a while and I’ll certainly be back to visit, volunteer and participate in community or charity events whenever I can. My fondest thanks and best wishes go out to Kings fans, the Powell River Kings Society, the sponsors, all the volunteers at the Hap and all of our hockey and business staff.”

Current General Manager, Stephan Seeger Jr. has been named the new Head Coach and Vice President Chad van Diemen will take on the duties of Director of Hockey Operations. Offering his vote of confidence in the bench transition, Coach Anderson stated: “Steph is an exceptionally capable coach and an insightful hockey mind. He will step in now to head up what we started and I have no reservations or worries in that regard. I have complete confidence that Steph, Chris and Michael will come together to make the balance of this season productive and successful for a group of players who all respect and respond well to them. All three are remarkable, dedicated young men with penchants for coaching and a love of the game that has made it easy and enjoyable to both teach and learn from them; they were a pleasure to work with.”

Coach Anderson also added, “The hardest part of all of this is leaving the players, all of whom have been willing to sacrifice and work hard since we began this year. In learning from some very memorable coaches that left teams I had played for over the years; I will, in the tradition, take the time to express a personal and individual goodbye to each of the players, making sure that they know how proud I am of their development as players and as young gentlemen. I am always just a call away for any of them, at any time, throughout their future hockey endeavors.”