Willie Desjardins
Encyclopedia
Willie Desjardins is the current associate coach of the Dallas Stars of the NHL.
Willie began his hockey career playing for the Lethbridge Broncos
from 1974 through 1977. He followed his junior hockey career by studying at the University of Saskatchewan
and played with the Huskies under then head coach Dave King
. Willie began his coaching career at the University of Calgary
in 1985 as assistant coach and became head coach in 1989. Willie then coached the Seibu Bears in Japan. He then returned to Canada and became head coach of the Saskatoon Blades
midway through the 1997 season. He was then offered a job as an assistant coach for the Canadian National Men's Hockey Team
.
Once hired by the Medicine Hat Tigers
, Willie was instrumental in the Tigers first playoff appearance in five years in the 2002–2003 season, leading them to a Memorial Cup
appearance and their 4th WHL championship in 2003–2004, and a 96 point Eastern Conference regular season champion 2004–2005 season. Mr. Desjardins brings with him a high standard of excellence as in all his years of coaching hockey only once has he ever missed the playoffs. Willie Desjardins took on the duties of General Manager for the 2005–2006 season.
Willie was awarded the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy for the Coach of the Year in the Western Hockey League
and the Canadian Hockey league. http://whl.ca/records/awards.php?id=57
Willie began his hockey career playing for the Lethbridge Broncos
Lethbridge Broncos
The Lethbridge Broncos were a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League from 1974 until 1986. They played at the Lethbridge Sportsplex.-Season-by-season record:...
from 1974 through 1977. He followed his junior hockey career by studying at the University of Saskatchewan
University of Saskatchewan
The University of Saskatchewan is a Canadian public research university, founded in 1907, and located on the east side of the South Saskatchewan River in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. An "Act to establish and incorporate a University for the Province of Saskatchewan" was passed by the...
and played with the Huskies under then head coach Dave King
Dave King (ice hockey)
W. David King is a Canadian hockey coach who has been head coach in the National Hockey League, the Russian Super League, the Winter Olympics, and the IIHF world junior championships. He was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan....
. Willie began his coaching career at the University of Calgary
University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a public research university located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1966 the U of C is composed of 14 faculties and more than 85 research institutes and centres.More than 25,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students are currently...
in 1985 as assistant coach and became head coach in 1989. Willie then coached the Seibu Bears in Japan. He then returned to Canada and became head coach of the Saskatoon Blades
Saskatoon Blades
The Saskatoon Blades are a junior ice hockey team in the Eastern Division of the Western Hockey League. They are based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, playing at the 15,195 seat Credit Union Centre.-History:...
midway through the 1997 season. He was then offered a job as an assistant coach for the Canadian National Men's Hockey Team
Canadian national men's hockey team
The Canadian national ice hockey team is the ice hockey team representing Canada. The team is overseen by Hockey Canada, a member of the International Ice Hockey Federation, and participates in international competitions. From 1920 until 1963, Canada's international representation was by senior...
.
Once hired by the Medicine Hat Tigers
Medicine Hat Tigers
The Medicine Hat Tigers are a junior ice hockey team in the Western Hockey League who play out of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Established in 1970, the team has won two national Memorial Cups, five WHL League Championships and seven Division Titles. The Tigers play at the Medicine Hat Arena....
, Willie was instrumental in the Tigers first playoff appearance in five years in the 2002–2003 season, leading them to a Memorial Cup
Memorial Cup
The Memorial Cup is a junior ice hockey club championship trophy awarded annually to the Canadian Hockey League champion. It is awarded following a four-team, round robin tournament between a host team and the champions of the CHL's three member leagues: the Ontario Hockey League , Quebec Major...
appearance and their 4th WHL championship in 2003–2004, and a 96 point Eastern Conference regular season champion 2004–2005 season. Mr. Desjardins brings with him a high standard of excellence as in all his years of coaching hockey only once has he ever missed the playoffs. Willie Desjardins took on the duties of General Manager for the 2005–2006 season.
Willie was awarded the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy for the Coach of the Year in the Western Hockey League
Western Hockey League
The Western Hockey League is a major junior ice hockey league based in Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The WHL is one of three leagues that constitute the Canadian Hockey League as the highest level of junior hockey in Canada...
and the Canadian Hockey league. http://whl.ca/records/awards.php?id=57