Kootenay Ice assistant coach Chad Kletzel has resigned from the team, citing personal reasons as he begins a new life as a family man back in Lethbridge.
Kletzel, who signed on as an assistant coach last off-season, spent the year under head coach Ryan McGill, where he helped guide the club to a 15th straight playoff appearance.
However, Kletzel is about to become a father as his wife, Amy, is due any day now, and his resignation reflects his desire to spend more time with his family.
The family will make the move back to Lethbridge after the baby arrives, where Kletzel will get back into his teaching career at a junior high school where he formerly worked.
Despite the resignation, Kletzel said he was grateful for his time on the bench with the Ice.
“I think it was really good,” said Kletzel. “I was lucky to have the opportunity to work in a very well-respected organization in the Western Hockey League with two very experienced individuals with Jeff Chynoweth and Ryan McGill.”
“I had a good environment to learn a lot from their experience.”
Kletzel hasn’t explored any options to stay in hockey in Lethbridge, as he and his wife both wait to see what life is like with a newborn.
Kootenay Ice general manager Jeff Chynoweth said he understood the reasons for Kletzel’s resignation.
“We are disappointed that Chad will not return for his second season with the club, but completely understand and respect his desire to spend more time with his family,” Chynoweth said.
Chynoweth added that the search for a replacement will begin immediately.