The Kamloops Blazers have hired a new head coach

There’s a new guy in charge of the Kamloops Blazers.

On Monday, the team announced the hiring of Serge Lajoie to be the team’s new bench boss.

NEWS: Kamloops Blazers hire Serge Lajoie as their new Head Coach, https://t.co/dbwtJhPwhs #kamloops pic.twitter.com/mB0dkIxhaP

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) June 25, 2018

He comes to Kamloops after spending the past three seasons as head coach of the University of Alberta Golden Bears, which culminated in a national championship last season.

“There were a lot of qualified candidates and some very good interviews, but in the end I felt really strong about Serge,” said Matt Bardsley, Blazers GM. “He is an excellent communicator, a teacher of the game with a focus on development and has a good understanding of today’s players.”

This won’t be Lajoie’s first stint with the Blazers as the 49-year-old actually played seven games with the team during the 1986-87 season.

He then played five years at the University of Alberta and four season in Germany before entering the coaching profession.

Former @GBHKY coach Serge Lajoie, is the new head coach of the Kamloops Blazers of the #WHL. pic.twitter.com/cIHw6GEkUc

— Patrick Henri (@pathenri) June 25, 2018

“There have been so many great players and coaches come through Kamloops. I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing this rich tradition of excellence,” Lajoie said.

“I’m excited to work with Matt, the staff, the entire organization and the players in creating a strong environment where each player has the opportunity to maximize their potential.”

With the new gig, Lajoie could be facing his son Marc in the next couple of years, as he was drafted in the first round of the WHL bantam draft by Tri-City this year.