When Ryan Betteswoth announced he wouldn't be returning for his second season as an assistant coach for the Swan Valley Stampeders, the team was in search of a replacement.
After an extensive search, the new man coming to the valley was Suneil Karod. He was named the team's associate general manager and associate coach. That mean's this year's Stampeders team will feature an entirely new coaching staff. Geoff Grimwood was brought in as head coach and general manager after Barry Wolff moved to coach the Merritt Centennials.
A native of Victoria, B.C., Suneil moved to Swan Valley last week.
"It's been a good time so far. I got in Monday morning at 7:00 a.m. and I was on the ice at 9:00 for the Stamps' kids camp," said Karod. "It's been pretty much non-stop since I've arrived. I haven't really been able to check out the town yet, but everyone here has been super welcoming. I'm already feeling right at home."
Suneil comes to Swan River with a rich coaching history. For the past three years, he was the head coach and general manager for the Victoria Cougars, of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. In all, he was with that team for 10 years. During that time, he won five league titles and seven regular-season titles.
Karod also helped the Chilliwack Chiefs win the National Jr. A Championship, when he was hired prior to them hosting the nationals. Suneil holds two bachelor degrees from Vancouver Island University and the University of Victoria.
As Swan Valley embarks on another regular season, they'll look to keep things going after last year. They advanced to the league final, where they fell just short in seven games. With Grimwood's resume and Karod's resume, Suneil is looking forward to the season.
"Just doing my research on the team last year and following it. With all of the guys they had, they've definitely left some high expectations for us now," said Karod. "I don't know if we're at the same level as the team was last year, but our goal is to get there. Our goal is to win and move on hockey players and we have a plan in place to make that happen."
"With my culture of winning and being around that environment, I think that will help. Geoff has also won in the past which helps us even more," he continued.
Suneil and the Stamps' are off to a solid start in their preseason. They're 3-1. They'll wrap things up with a home-and-home against the OCN Blizzard next week. Swan Valley will open up their regular season with the all Parkland battle. The Stamps' welcome the Kings' to town on September 20. The teams complete the home-and-home the very next night at Credit Union Place for the Dauphin Clinic Pharmacy Home Opener.
With six regular-season meetings awaiting the two clubs and less than two hours separating both communities, Suneil can't wait for the battles to begin.
"Every team I've been with, there's been a rivalry and I'm looking forward to that continuing. Even in that rookie game, things got heated pretty quickly," said Karod. "The fans get into it as well, it's tremendous. I just don't think these teams like each other and that's good, the games are going to be intense."
"Games against Dauphin are definitely ones we're circling on our calendar," he concluded.
Dauphin and Swan Valley meet on the following days. September 20 in Swan Valley. September 21 in Dauphin. September 30 @ Showcase. October 30 In Swan Valley. January 25 in Dauphin. January 29 in Swan Valley.
We know Suneil has had a ton of success on the ice, but what does he enjoy doing off the ice? Let's find out.
"Better Know Suneil".
What are some of your hobbies?: I love all winter sports. I'm hoping to pick some up because it's only snowed twice in Victoria the last three years I was there. I'm also a big history buff, so I spend a lot of time reading books and watching documentaries.
What's the farthest east you've lived? Swan Valley. It's a big cultural change for sure.
Something you want to do, other than coaching? I'm really excited to see the entire province and even the areas near Swan River. I want to get to know Manitoba as well as I can during my time here.
