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Johnny Calkins

 

 

The Swift Current Midget AAA Home Hardware Legionnaires are moving forward after a turbulent two weeks.

The resignation of Assistant Coach Todd Hornung and Head Scout Sheldon Reinhart led to meetings between the Swift Current Minor Hockey board and Legionnaires parents. SCMH is moving ahead with Coach/GM Jason Johns and have hired new Assistant Coach Johnny Calkins.

When playing Calkins saw himself as a leader and was Captain in both Midget AAA and Junior A. Getting into coaching was a natural move for the Kyle product after ending his playing career.

"Coaching and teaching the game is something I've always wanted to do," Calkins said. "With my injury it's a chance to stay in hockey."

Calkins scored 93 points in 57 games with Kindersley in the SJHL last season before a shoulder injury forced his retirement. He played three seasons in the SJHL and is expected to focus on the offensive side of the game.

"I think when I played that was my forte," Calkins said. "The power play and the offensive players I'm sure I will help quite a bit."

Johns is still looking for another assistant coach who would help out with the defensive side of their game. He is in discussions with one potential coach who is talking things over with his family.

It was an up and down first weekend for Calkins behind the bench. The Legionnaires topped the Battlefords Stars 6-1 on Saturday but lost 5-4 on Sunday afternoon. It was the first win of the season for the last place Stars.

Mason Logan, Tim Vanstone and Cody McKinnon each had 2 point afternoons for Swift Current. They got goals from Vanstone, Daylan Gatzke, Jordan Wittman and Zac Mackay. Wittman and Mackay are both Broncos prospects.

The Legionnaires travel to Moose Jaw on Wednesday. Johns is still serving a 30 day suspension for a carding error so Calkins will be again joined on the bench by Female Midget AAA Diamond Energy Wildcats Coach Terry Pavely.

Interview with Johnny Calkins:


Click here for an interview with Jason Johns

Click here for the boxscore from Sunday's game