The Wildcats announced recently that Jeff Kirchew has been appointed the new head coach. Originally from the Eastern Shore, Kirchew grew up surrounded by hockey.
Valley Wildcats general manager Nick Greenough said Kirchew is an up-and-coming coach who has worked hard so it was a pleasure to promote him.
In his two years as an assistant coach with the Major Bantam team, Kirchew worked well with former head coach Travis Young. Greenough said that Kirchew knows how the system works and he will be “a good fit for everyone.”
In terms of experience, Kirchew has played Major Midget with the Dartmouth Subways and played four years at the Junior A level. Kirchew also attended two QMJHL camps with the St. John Sea Dogs.
“He’s a young guy that’s been through the ranks and played at one of the highest levels in Nova Scotia,” Greenough said.
He said Kirchew, who is studying to be a teacher, relates well to the players. He graduated from Acadia University earlier this year with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and is working toward his Bachelor of Education degree at Acadia.
Greenough said communication has to be a two-way street between coaches and players and Kirchew understands this well.
“He’s just recently out of the game and I think he knows what it takes to get the best out of the players,” Greenough said.
He said Kirchew is looking forward to the challenge and the Wildcats are excited to have Kirchew step up into the role of head coach for the Major Bantams.
