BLESSMAN NAMED PROGRAM DIRECTOR

The Coquitlam Express is pleased to announce today that John Blessman has been named Program Director of the Junior “A” Hockey Club.

Blessman, 43, returns to the Express after spending the 2001-2002 campaign as an Assistant Coach with the team. John most recently has served as the Director of Player Development of Aldergrove Minor Hockey Association and the Head Coach of the Raven Spring Hockey Academy.

President and General Manager Darcy Rota is looking forward to having Blessman back in Coquitlam with the Express. “We are really happy to have John back with us in our organization in this newly created position as our program director. John will be the lead instructor in our hockey schools, Academy’s and skill development camps for young hockey players and will build a skill development program for both boys and girls Minor Hockey Associations. With John’s past experience as a player and outstanding work as a hockey instructor he will play a very important role in our organization.”

Blessman played over 540 games in the Minor League ranks after being drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the 9th round of the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, commented “I am very excited about this opportunity and again to be working the Coquitlam Express. I enjoy working with young hockey players in improving their hockey skills and look forward to developing programs that will challenge young athletes.”