U of R Cougars men’s hockey team parts ways with head coach

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The University of Regina Cougars men’s hockey team is moving on from head coach Todd Johnson.

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On Thursday, the school’s director of sport, community engagement and athlete development Lisa Robertson announced that the two sides have agreed to part ways. The program will now begin a comprehensive search for a new head coach in the coming weeks.

Johnson was initially hired by the Cougars prior to the 2012-13 Canada West season and just wrapped up his 12th season with the team. During his time behind the bench, Johnson led the Cougars to the playoffs three times and was the Canada West coach of the year in 2020.

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“I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity,” Johnson said in a release sent out by the Cougars. “I got to coach in my hometown and see my family grow up in the same place that I did.

“I’ve made so many great connections here and have been fortunate to work with so many outstanding student-athletes, coaches, and support staff during my time at the U of R. I am excited for this next chapter.”

Last season, the Cougars finished last place in the Canada West East Division with a 5-22-1 record as the team missed the playoffs for a second straight season.

During his time in U Sports, Johnson also led Canada’s team to the 2015 Winter Universiade in Spain. In 2021, he was named the University of Regina’s coach of the year.

“Todd has been an outstanding leader and representative of his program for well over a decade,” Robertson said in a release. “I am so appreciative of the time and energy he has devoted to his team, to the University, and to the community during his time here. I wish Todd and his family the absolute best.”

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