Canadians hire new head coach for Jr B club

The Carleton Place Canadians announce the hiring of Hamish Fraser as the head coach for the Jr B team come the 2021-22 season.

Fraser, a Carleton Place native, will take the helm of the Jr Canadians bench with nearly two decades of coaching experience behind him. He has previous coaching experience in the EOJHL, having led the Richmond Royals and the Perth Blue Wings – where he was named Coach of the Year in the 2012-13 season.

“When (Jr Canadians GM) Norm (Racine) and I began our search for our next coach for Junior B, we both felt it was important to have someone who understand the crucial element of development for that team,” franchise owner Brent Sullivan said. “After many discussions, we feel Hamish is the perfect fit to prepare and develop players to progress to the next level.”

Fraser’s ability to develop teams and players was on display his past two seasons behind the bench with the expansion West Carleton Inferno of the NCJHL. In the 2018-19 season, the Inferno’s first season, the team managed to amass two victories and Fraser helped lead the team to being a mere two points out of a play-off spot the following season.

On top of his coaching experience in the EOJHL, Fraser has playing experience in the EOJHL as a member of the Kemptville 73’s. During his time as a player in Kemptville, Fraser helped win an EOJHL championship in 1996-97.

“I’m excited to have Hamish join our staff. His experience as a player, coach and executive speaks volumes on its own,” Racine said. “However, it’s his commitment to player development and his winning record that will be an asset to our organization”.

Along with his junior coaching resume, Fraser has been a fixture in the minor hockey community in Carleton Place.

“We are excited to add somebody who is local and takes pride in representing the Carleton Place Canadians in the community,” Sullivan added.

Fraser is the third head coach of the Jr Canadians since the team came into existence in 2017-18. The Jr Canadians have made the playoffs each season, including a run to the finals in 2018.