Local roundup: Red Devils seek coach; VanGassen cycles 600 km; Bluebirds make moves

The Wallaceburg Red Devils are seeking a head coach for the 2027 Ontario Jr. B Lacrosse League season.

From the source Applicants can contact general manager Scott Gorry at [email protected] or 519-358-3723.

Noble Jacobs recently stepped down after one season as head coach. The Red Devils missed the playoffs with a 4-16 record, second-worst in the Western Conference.

“Over the years, coach Noble has dedicated countless hours to our team, our players and the Red Devils organization,” the team said in a statement. “His commitment to developing our athletes and representing Wallaceburg lacrosse has been greatly appreciated.”

Gorry was promoted to GM after serving as the assistant general manager this season.

Chatham cyclist Shawn VanGassen fundraising ride last weekend has brought in nearly $2,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent.

VanGassen covered 600.7 kilometres in memory of his late mother, Patricia, while cycling between Chatham and Prairie Siding.

Donations are being accepted for his campaign until Sept. 30 during World Alzheimer’s Month. Go to www.alzheimer.ca/chathamkent, visit the office at 36 Memory Lane or call 519-352-1043.

The Tilbury Bluebirds have added two former pros to their blue-line for the coming Northern Premier Hockey League season.

ECHL alumnus Jack Van Boekel was acquired with a player development fee from the Alvinston Killer Bees for forward Christian Moccia.

Owen Findlay was signed after playing last season in France. He went overseas after four junior B seasons with the LaSalle Vipers.

The Bluebirds have also re-signed goalie Ryan Polidori, defenceman Carl Florence and forward Cole Butler.

The Bluebirds begin their 20-game regular season Oct. 10 in Woodstock. Their home opener is Oct. 24 against the Strathroy Jets.

The Dresden Kings scored four third-period goals in a 6-3 comeback win over the Wheatley Omstead Sharks in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s Stobbs Division Wednesday.

Drew Bunda, Owen Campbell, Colton Graham, Ethan Waddick, Maclean Norris and Kurtis Smith scored for the Kings (3-0-0-0) at Wheatley Area Arena.

Rory Sandison scored two and Austin Fraser had one for the Sharks (1-2-0-0), who led 3-2 after two periods.

Griffyn Taylor of the Kings and Adam Flanagan of the Sharks each made 28 saves.

The Kings visit the Lakeshore Canadiens on Thursday, Sept. 24, and host the Amherstburg Admirals on Friday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m.

The Sharks visit the Walpole Island Wild Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and the Essex 73’s on Tuesday, Sept. 22, then host the Blenheim Blades on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Buxton Speedway has crowned its points champions for this season.

The champions are Steve Shaw (Thunderstocks), Rob Quick (Mini Stocks), Dylan Bonner (Mini Mods), Brian Speelman (Late Models) and Tim Richardson (Modifieds).

Shaw and Quick also won their respective feature races on championship night. The other feature winners were Marshall Hereygers (Mini Mods), Brad McLeod (Modifieds) and Mike Lewis (Late Models).

Mark Malone has covered sports for The Chatham Daily News since 1999 and for The Sarnia Observer since 2017.