Former professional hockey player and coach, Francis Wathier has returned to CIHA and will be the U15 AAA Head Coach in 2021-2022.
From 2016-2019, Francis was our Defensive Specialist, Power Skating and Assistant Coach while also helping out in the dorms. He has built strong relationships with current and past students and staff and is very familiar with our operations.“I’m very happy to be at CIHA as the U15 AAA Head Coach,” said Francis. ”I’m looking forward to a ‘normal’ regular season next year where the kids can do what they love; play the game of hockey. As always, my philosophy will remain to develop hockey players within their own strengths and weaknesses. I’ll have these young men focus on the present and prepare them for life after high-school. Hockey is my passion and I’m glad I can continue sharing my knowledge acquired during my pro playing career.”Francis had an extensive professional career on the ice, playing in 577 American Hockey League games and 10 National Hockey League games for the Dallas Stars. He also played four years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and won the President’s Cup twice.For the past several years, he’s also been an assistant coach in the Canadian Central Hockey League and QMJHL.Welcome , Francis!