November 3, 2009      

BRENT DEMERAIS

 

This is Brent Demerais’ 5th consecutive year coaching for AVMHA. Born and raised in the Alberni Valley, he first hit the ice at the tender age of 1 year. A few years later he was playing hockey within AVMHA as a centre, eventually moving up to play in the competitive program.

Demerais moved on playing with the Junior B Timbermen and from there moved onto Junior A and played with the Merritt Centennials (until his final season in ‘83/’84). To date, he holds an impressive 25 year team scoring record (2^nd that season only to Brett Hull) of 66 goals, 58 assists, 124 points and 189 penalty minutes! Demerais went on to WIHL playing for the Cranbrook Royals for 7 seasons and after his last year in ’88 decided to try his hand at coaching.

He spent 5 years coaching in Cranbrook, 1 year in Victoria and then made his way back home to the Alberni Valley. The 2007/2008 season of coaching the Bantam Rep Timbermen took on another success with his team (coached with Dave McConnell) winning the Vancouver Island Championship banner, which hasn’t been done in the Alberni Valley since 1986!

Last years season, 2008/2009, Demerais (and again with Dave McConnell and newcomer Bryce Abbott) took the AV Midget Rep Bulldogs to a higher level, winning the Vancouver Island Championship Banner and onto the Provincials in Victoria. Over the last 4 years, Demerais has coached 11 players from AVMHA that have since moved onto Junior B and Major Midget.

He looks forward to coaching this years’ team with Bryce Abbott, as he loves being around hockey and the hard working players.