The Concordia University Department of Recreation and Athletics announced today that head coach Kevin Figsby will not be returning behind the bench of the Stingers men’s hockey team next season.
The university community accepts his departure with a heavy heart. “We had hoped that Kevin would take on the new role of development coach for the entire Stingers program; instead, he is choosing to pursue a new path,” says Patrick Boivin, director of Recreation and Athletics.
With more than 30 years of coaching experience at the Canadian and international levels, Figsby’s expertise has shaped the Stingers’ hockey legacy. He is currently the president of the CIS Coaches Association in men’s hockey and is involved with Canada’s national sledge hockey team. He is also among a select group of coaches who have earned Level 4 certification through Hockey Canada.
Figsby leaves Concordia having spent 15 seasons as head coach of the Stingers men’s hockey team. He was also a dedicated community supporter and a mentor to many student-athletes. He has been instrumental in developing quality young hockey players who earn recognition for leadership and community service. Under his guidance, seven Stingers have received the prestigious Guy Lafleur Award of Excellence.
In addition to his achievements at Concordia, Figsby coached the Ontario University Athletics all-stars in games versus the Canadian national junior team, as head coach in 2001 and assistant coach in 2000. He was also an assistant coach with Canada’s entry at the 2005 Winter Universiade in Innsbruck, Austria where Canada finished fifth. He reprised this role at the 2011 Winter Universiade in Erzurum, Turkey, where he saw team Canada through to the bronze medal.
“Kevin’s expertise should be very sought after in the hockey community, and we wish him continued success in his future endeavors. I would like to sincerely thank him for his devotion to our student-athletes and contributions to the Stingers hockey program,” says Boivin.
Due to the timing of the changes to Concordia’s mens’ hockey program, an interim coach will be named shortly. A search for the next head coach will begin in early 2016.
