New Spruce Kings head coach Chad van Diemen – photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The Prince George Spruce Kings introduced Chad van Diemen as their new head coach this morning.

The 33 year old van Diemen is no stranger to the BCHL having spent the past six seasons with the Powell River Kings, most recently as their associate head coach and assistant general manager.

“I’ve known Chad for a lot of years and one of the biggest things I wanted was an experienced fellow from our league,” said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “I wanted a young guy, somebody who can step in and continue with the momentum that I feel we’ve built here in the last several seasons.”

van Diemen has agreed to a two year contract and can’t wait to get started.

“I want to thank the Spruce Kings for allowing me the opportunity to become a head coach in the BCHL. It’s been a goal of mine for a long time to get to this point,” he said. “These opportunities don’t come up very often and the chance to become part of a great organization aren’t always there.”

A former player himself, van Diemen spent four seasons as a defenceman in the BCHL including stops in Nanaimo, Powell River and Quesnel.

He also played four seasons in the NCAA with Iona College and Manhattanville College, and while there earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree majoring in Business Management.

van Diemen replaces Dave Dupas, who resigned as head coach last month.