Press Release
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Derek Cormier is the new head coach of the men’s hockey Aigles Bleus
Derek Cormier will be the next head coach of the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus in Atlantic University Sport men's hockey. He becomes the 14th head coach of the team and will begin his new role on July 25.
“Derek Cormier will be able to improve our men's hockey program over the next few years,” said Martine LeBlanc, Athletic Director. “His experience, knowledge and availability will be an asset to the success of our program. He was able to guide our players in their skills development last year. He will be able to offer the necessary supervision to our student/athletes and offer them the values and situations to obtain optimal performance.”
A resident of Dieppe, well known in the region and a former professional player, Cormier was an assistant coach for the Aigles Bleus last season. He has also been an assistant coach with the Dieppe Flyers -15 since 2015. He is president of East Coast Ice in Dieppe, a specialized program for the development of young hockey players, and he also organizes spring hockey tournaments. He is the founder and director of the Pro-evolution summer off-ice program to develop the skills of elite athletes of all ages. He was a professional player for 18 years and played mainly in Europe (1995 to 2013), in addition to playing two seasons at the university level. Cormier was named Canada's Junior A player in 1993. He is certified as a Skills Coach by Hockey Canada.
“I am no stranger to the organization of the Aigles Bleus. I've always had an interest in a college hockey program. I am excited to have this chance. I know the caliber and the potential of this team well. I liked the entourage of the team, of Judes (Vallée), Luc (Michaud) and the players last year and it is an exceptional level. I look forward to having discussions with the players and assistant coaches in the coming days”, said Derek Cormier.
“When we began the process of finding our next coach, we wanted to make sure we recruited a person who could continue the work started by Judes Vallée,” added Luc Michaud, director of hockey operations for the Aigles Bleus. “We are very happy to be able to count on a coach of Derek Cormier's caliber to continue this progression towards a championship team. Derek brings a wealth of experience as a professional player in Europe, but also as a strong coach, being recognized as one of the most technically competent in the Maritimes. He cares about the success of the Aigles Bleus, and he wants the program to shine not only in our province, but also at the national level. A hard worker, we are sure that Derek will spare no effort to create a first-level team.”
The head coaches of the history of the Aigles Bleus since 1964: Camillien Gaudet, Vance Toner, Gene Gaudet, Pierre Lacoste, Jean Perron, Denis Gingras, Jacques Noel, Len Doucet, Pete Belliveau, Charlie Bourgeois, Bob Mongrain, Serge Bourgeois, Judes Vallée and Derek Cormier.
Notice to media
The new head coach of the Université de Moncton men’s hockey Aigles Bleus, Derek Cormier, will be available at the CEPS on Tuesday, July 19 from 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. for interviews. Please confirm your presence with Normand A. Léger at normand.leger@umoncton.ca. Director of Hockey Operations Luc Michaud and Athletic Director Martine LeBlanc will also be available for interviews. To contact Derek Cormier, please use the following number: 506-850-3079.
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