POWELL RIVER, B.C.- The now former head coach and general manager of the Powell River Kings is not too happy with being let go from the BCHL team.
The Kings released a statement Monday stating that letting Kent Lewis go was “an incredibly difficult decision”, but it was “in the best interests of the Powell River Kings moving forward.”
No further explanation was offered.
“The rug got, you know, kind of ripped under my feet and you learn a lot about people, and learn a lot about how you deal with situations (and) it is a business, but it’s how some people do business that makes you wonder,” Lewis said, speaking with 95.7 Coast FM on Tuesday.
“I definitely wanted to coach the remainder of the season, with the group of kids that I recruited. We’ve got a very good hockey club that’s capable of very good things and I’m very upset I was denied the opportunity to do that for reasons I just don’t buy into.”
The Powell River Kings only have 11 games remaining on their regular season schedule. Assistant Coach Brock Sawyer has been named Interim Head Coach in the wake of Lewis’ departure.
When asked why exactly he was let go, Lewis did not give any specifics.
“There were reasons given that certainly did not fly with myself, but it’s always a ‘he said-he said’, but what I’m gonna do is be proud of what I’ve done and be proud of the kids I’ve coached,” he said.
The former coach added that his friends and family have been extremely supportive since he received the news.
“I think time will tell a lot on that (reasons for his dismissal) and I think the hockey world is a small world, and people know what people are about and I think that will all come out in the wash,” he said.
As for what’s next, Lewis said he’s taking a break from hockey, and focusing on work outside of the arena.
“Over the course of the number of years, I’ve balanced this (coaching) with a very good job with a very good employer at the City of Powell River, so that first and foremost has always had a huge impact on my decisions and what I do,” he said.
“Time will tell, and God’s plan is God’s plan. I’ve just got to keep my eyes open and my ears open and walk with my head up.”
We have reached out to the Powell River Kings for further comments. The team faces the Wenatchee Wild on Wednesday, Jan. 31st.
