The Kings would like to welcome Chris Carter as the teams new Goaltending coach for the 2017/2018 season. Carter replaces long time netminding mentor Jeff Battah, who has taken up an opportunity with the Graz 99ers in the Austrian Hockey League.
Carter, who is based on Vancouver Island and also coaches with the VIU Mariners, joins the Kings after a stint with the Cowichan Valley Capitals last year.
“I am both honoured and humbled to be joining the Powell River Kings. It’s a tremendous organization on so many levels. It’s such a great opportunity for me as a goaltending coach to a part of an organization dedicated to the success of its players. I’m looking forward to contributing to the success of our goaltenders and the success of this great team.”
For Battah, the opportunity to cut his teeth in pro hockey was too good to pass up.
During my time in Junior, I got the chance to work with a lot of Europeans that had come over to Canada” said Battah. “When the opportunity to coach in Europe came up for me it was something that was outside of my comfort zone and something I felt was a good challenge for me professionally.”
Kings Head Coach and GM Kent Lewis says that while he’s excited for Battah to pursue a great opportunity, he’s a big loss to the organization.
“Jeff has been a big part of our club for many years and helped develop some of the best goaltenders in the BCHL. He was great to have as a resource for our guys and we’ll miss him around the club…but we’re obviously very happy for him to have this opportunity.”
On Carter joining the team, Lewis says it’s great to bring in someone with the level of experience Carter brings.
“Chris has been coaching out east for many years and has continued that out in BC. Obviously Cowichan last year and then now with us this season means Chris will be able to provide quality coaching and mentoring all year to our guys. Having him on the Island means our guys will have great access to work on their game regularly throughout the season.”
Carter will not only work throughout the season with Powell River King net minders, but also train and help develop local minor hockey goalies. The Kings wish Jeff all the best with his new endeavor in Austria, and would like to extend a warm welcome to Chris this season.
