Darin Vetterl’s second tour of duty with the Aldergrove Kodiaks has ended with a brief online announcement by the PJHL team.
”The Kodiaks announce the departure of head coach Darin Vetterl,” the Jan. 11 post said.
“We want to thank Darin for his contributions to the team and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Vetterl, who led the Kodiaks from 2018 to 2020, had returned to replace then-coach Ron Johnson, who was part of the 2009/10 championship Aldergrove team.
Kodiaks, a team that was PJHL champion in 2010, 2014, and 2017, had suffered 10 losses in a row to end their season out of the playoffs last year, with a record of 10 wins in 48 games.
READ ALSO: Ten losses in a row and out of the playoffs: Aldergrove Kodiaks season ends
With a record of five wins in 40 games so far this season, Kodiaks currently rank 13th of 14 teams in the PJHL, at the bottom of the seven-team Harold Brittain conference.
Crosstown rivals Langley Trappers, who have won every game they’ve played against Aldergrove this season, currently stand fourth overall in the league and second in Harold Brittain, with 24 wins in 40 games.
READ ALSO: Langley Trappers come back to win in overtime against Aldergrove Kodiaks
Vetterl’s departure was announced on the day after Kodiaks fell to Mission City Outlaws on Wednesday, Jan. 10 on home ice at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre’s arena, in a 4-2 loss.
For the Kodiaks, Ethan Dockrill got his second of the season, assisted by Beckham Angus, while Andrew Strand notched his fifth with assistance from Ethan Dockrill and Matt Russell.
One day after the Vetterl announcement, on Friday, Jan. 12 Kodiaks suffered a 12-1 drubbing at the hands of division-leading Ridge Meadows flames (35 wins in 40 games), who outshot Aldergrove 42-18.
Kodiaks lone goal was scored near the end of the second period by Bergen George, his first of the season, assisted by Isaiah Squirrell.
By that point, the Flames had put six on the board.
Vetterl, the head instructor at Excellent Ice in Surrey since 2006, has more than 30 years of coaching and training experience throughout Greater Vancouver,the U.S., and Australia.
