Sports - May 18, 2011

Gil Langlois named 73’s head coach
Iaquinta returns, this time as assistant coach

By Andy Comber

Summer might be right around the corner, but it was hockey news that grabbed many people’s attention in Essex last week.

Gil Langlois of Essex, pictured with his wife Judy, is the new head coach of the Essex 73’s. The announcement was made by 73’s GM Scott Miller, May 11. 

On May 11, the Essex 73’s Junior ‘C’ Hockey Club and General Manager Scott Miller named Gil Langlois of Essex as the new head coach of the team.

“Gil has recently spent the last three years as an assistant coach with the Junior ‘B’ LaSalle Vipers – and previously had two years of Sun County AAA coaching. All in all, Gil has been involved in coaching hockey for almost 25 years.”

Langlois expressed his excitement at being named the head coach, speaking to the Free Press in an interview at his home.

“It’s a real honour. I am very excited,” he said. “The Essex 73’s – it’s a storied franchise.”

Langlois grew up in LaSalle, his interest in hockey growing with him, he said.

“I’ve been a hockey fan my whole life.”

Langlois’ real involvement with hockey and coaching the sport began when his two sons started playing minor hockey – later graduating to travel hockey. Fifteen of those years were in St. Catherines, he said.

“I was lucky at making it to the OMHA finals five times.”

Coaching hockey continued to be a passion for Langlois, even when his sons, Chris, now age 28, and Nick, now age 25, outgrew minor hockey. After two years with the local Sun County AAA league, Langlois took the assistant coach post with the Vipers – enjoying some phenomenal success along the way, the most memorable, a major championship win in the previous 2009-10 season.

“It was really something to be part of bringing home the Sutherland Cup.”

Langlois recognized the accomplishments of former long-time 73’s head coach Tony Piroski. He brought the 73’s to six Great Lakes Junior ‘C’ Hockey League finals, winning five, and four all-Ontario finals, winning one. It is a renowned OHA record, Langlois said.

“Those are some big shoes to fill.”

A self-described “tactical” coach, Langlois believes it is not only important for players to work hard at hockey, but also to enjoy playing the game.

“The two are linked,” he said. “It is important that we create an environment that allows them to excel on and off the ice.”

Langlois also brings former 73’s defenceman Anthony Iaquinta back behind the bench, this time as an assistant coach. Iaquinta was part of the 73’s all-Ontario winning team, taking home the coveted Schmulz Cup in the 2008-2009 season, and playing defence in a style encouraged by Langlois.

“The job of the defence does not end once they pass the puck to the offence,” he said.

The 73’s expect to return with a good core of experienced players, Langlois said. He is also confident there will be a great working relationship with Scott Miller as general manager. All that combined with the phenomenal support demonstrated by the 73’s fans should make for a great season, he said.

“I am very anxious to get started.”