From RBC Cup winner with the Pembroke Lumber Kings back in 2011 to Head Coach of one of hockey’s most historic franchises. Sheldon Keefe will make his NHL coaching debut tonight in Arizona with the Toronto Maple Leafs. To the local hockey fans in the Ottawa Valley, we knew this was coming. Jamie Bramburger who published a book about the history of the Lumber Kings last year says he’s not surprised to see Keefe make it to the big leagues.
Sheldon’s partner in crime during his time in Pembroke was Mary Ann Taman, who served as the team’s Operations Manager. She says that she always knew he was bound for greatness.
Keefe spent six seasons with the Lumber Kings putting together 265 wins, 76 losses and 20 ties and becoming the fastest coach to win 200 games in Central Canada Hockey League history. After spending three seasons with the Soo Greyhounds, he was hired to be the Head Coach of the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, where he won the Calder Cup in 2018. His biggest challenge in his coaching career begins tonight. Puck drop is at 9 o’clock.
