York University Sport & Recreation announced yesterday that Bill Maguire has resigned from his position as head coach of the York Lions men’s hockey team to return to his high school teaching career.
A search for an interim head coach for the 2008-2009 season began immediately after Maguire's resignation. A national search for a full-time head coach will begin after the 2008-2009 season.
Right: Bill Maguire
"We would like to thank Bill for all of his hard work here at York," said Jennifer Myers, director of Sport & Recreation. "We wish him the best of luck as he returns to teaching. As an alumnus of York, Bill had a special connection with the school and that was evident in his commitment and dedication to the program and the players.
"While we are sad to see Bill go, we are committed to finding the best possible candidate to lead our team in the 2008-2009 season before beginning a national search for a full-time head coach," said Myers.
Maguire coached the Lions for the past two seasons. Under his watch, three Lions were named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) West Second Team All-Stars and two York players were named to the OUA West All-Rookie team.
During this off-season, Maguire recruited six players with major-junior experience for the 2008-2009 team.
A York graduate, Maguire played for the University’s hockey team from 1985-1989 and helped the squad win two national championships. Maguire was a three-time OUA All-Star and an all-Canadian in 1988-1989.
The Lions open their pre-season Sept. 24 at 7pm, against the University of Toronto Varsity Blues at Canlan Ice Sports. The regular season opener is Oct. 10 against the Queen’s Golden Gaels in Kingston, ON.