Windsor Spitfires announce new head coach

The Windsor Spitfires have named Greg Walters as the team’s new head coach.

Walters has 13 years of coaching experience in the Ontario Hockey League. He was most recently head coach of the Owen Sound Attack, but has also served behind the bench for the Oshawa Generals and Sarnia Sting.

“I feel so honored and privileged to coach one of the best organizations in junior hockey,” Walters said. “I look forward to meeting everyone, connecting with the players, staff and community.”

General Manager Bill Bowler is confident Walters is the right person for the job.

“Greg is an experienced coach who holds his players accountable,” GM Bill Bowler said. “I would consider him a players’ coach who will lead by the relationships he builds with his players.”

The hockey club fired head coach Jerrod Smith midway through the season last year after 21 games and a 4-16-1 record, naming Casey Torres interim coach.

Torres will remain on the coaching staff as an assistant coach, along with Kris Newbury. Johnathan Moran returns as Video Coach, with Kathy McLlwain as Skating Coach and Brian O’Reilly as the team’s Culture & High Performance Coach.

The team still needs to hire a goalkeeping coach.

The Spitfires play their first practice match on September 6 at the WFCU Centre.