ESPANOLA EXPRESS JR. A HOCKEY CLUB
Media Update
Release date: Thursday, Aug. 4, 2016
McCarthy steps down as Express coach for similar position in Europe
ESPANOLA, Ont. – The Espanola Express of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League announced Thursday that head coach has stepped down from his position with the club and has accepted a similar role with HSC Csikszareda in Romania.
The 56-year-old McCarthy spent four seasons in the NOJHL, including being named the league’s coach of the year in 2011-12.
“I can’t begin to communicate how excited and proud I am of Tom for this opportunity he has earned,” stated Express president Chad Clarke. “This couldn’t have happened to a better, more deserving guy.”
Espanola’s director of hockey operations Randy Blake added, “I’d like to wish one of my best friends and colleague Tom McCarthy the very best of luck in his newest venture. I know he will do great and be very successful. No one deserves this opportunity more than Tom.”
Offering his thoughts on his new opportunity, the humble McCarthy credited his players from over the years that he has coached.
“To have such an opportunity is such a tribute to all the players that gave me all the knowledge, experience and attributes to use my own experience to advance and live my dreams as I wish for all my players,” expressed the native of Toronto.
McCarthy previously guided the then North Bay Trappers to a Copeland Cup-McNamara Trophy NOJHL championship in 2012-13.
He also coached Team East to a series victory at the 2013 Canadian Junior Hockey League’s Prospects Games in Nova Scotia in November of that year.
“We at the NOJHL congratulate Tom McCarthy on his new position and extend out heartiest congratulations as he embarks on his new endeavour,” offered league Commissioner Robert Mazzuca.
“One of our main goals in the NOJHL is to help those associated with it advance to the next level, be it players, coaches, officials or team staff members and Tom’s appointment with his new club is just another example of that success,” added Mazzuca.
With McCarthy’s departure, Express co-coach Jason Rapcewicz will lead the charge for the upcoming 2016-17 NOJHL season as the club’s new bench boss.
McCarthy will continue to be one of the owners of the Express and will reside in Espanola during the off-season.
“We absolutely love our new home in Espanola and it will remain as my family’s home,” surmised the former NHLer.
“I have not left Espanola with my heart and compassion. I will continue to be an integral part of the Express and the great community of Espanola. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the town and the fans for their continued support that allowed the success for my players and now for me.”
He’ll be joining a HSC Csikszareda side that competes out of the MOL, the top professional league in Romania.
They are one of the most successful franchises in the MOL with 14 championship titles, including six in a row between 2007 and 2012.
For more information on the Espanola Express, visit the team website at espanolaexpress.com or on social media at twitter.com/espanolaexpress or facebook.com/EspanolaExpress.
