“For whatever reason I am just kind of burnt out of the politics of hockey.” (Stewart Malgunas, former Prince George Spruce Kings Associate Coach).

The 38-year-old Malgunas announced his resignation on the same day that Spruce Kings Team President, Darcy Buryn, confirmed that the hockey club will be honoring Ed Dempsey’s final year of his contract as Head Coach and General Manager.

 

Buryn headed an internal investigation into allegations made by ex-players, including former captains Brayden Penner and Ryan de Vries, about Dempsey’s coaching tactics.

 

In the end, after the review (which seemed to drag on for an eternity), Buryn, with the executive’s support, concluded that there was a difference of opinion over motivational techniques, and coaching styles, resulting in no disciplinary action.

 

As a result, Malgunas found himself “between a rock and a hard place” on this issue. Although Malgunas doesn’t want to get involved in a “mudslinging contest” he wants to be truthful:
"Things just weren't to my liking as far as things going towards the way I wanted them to be. I am not going to make any bones that I hoped to be coach and GM of the team. It was a situation that it just wasn't working so I thought it was time to move on so people can read into it what they want.”

 

Malgunas was Dempsey’s assistant for a brief period with the PG Cougars in 2003 (Dempsey was fired just eight games into the season). The two men crossed paths again three years later in virtually the same role with the Spruce Kings, except for one notable difference; Dempsey had his good buddy, Mike Hawes, on the Kings' staff.

 

So, this begs the question; what kind of a relationship was there between Stew and Ed?  "I don't think the public does need to know. You know Ed and I have some philosophical differences, but I think Ed has treated me well as a person and you know like I say it just wasn't the right fit at this time", stated Malgunas, who was elected into the PG Sports Hall of Fame in 2003/04.

 

Although it is a cliché, the former NHL blueliner with the Flyers, Jets, Capitals and Flames “paid his dues”. However, Malgunas has not been rewarded. 

 

So, does this situation leave Stewart with a taste of bitterness?

“You know there should be, but I really don't feel any. I know things happen for a reason. I do believe the kids believe in me and I do believe I could make a difference in kids’ lives. One day that opportunity may present itself and if it doesn't, I have done the best I can," said a proud Malgunas, who played for the Spruce Kings 20 years ago.

 

Although Malgunas is leaving junior hockey, he will remain in Prince George, his hometown.

“My wife (Sheryl) and I are venturing into unknown territory, getting out of the hockey game for a little bit. Our friends are moving to Calgary and they were owners of the Husky Travel Centre on the BCR Site. We've been given a chance to run that and manage that so that is what we will be doing and I'm really looking forward to it.”

 

There's an old adage that states, “You can take the kid out of the game but you can't take the game out of the kid”. That certainly is the case for Malgunas. “I sat down over a few beers the other night and probably shed a few tears because I am leaving something I am very passionate about. I'm still going to be active in PG Minor Hockey (as the coaching co-coordinator) and also with my camps.”

As he temporarily departs the game he loves, Malgunas will leave with his head held high behind a legacy of integrity, honor and respect. He wasn't about to sacrifice his principles, and for that, Malgunas must be commended.

 

 

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