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Penticton Vees forced to adjust after recent departure of assistant coach

Patrick Sexton was named head coach in Coquitlam after spending several years in Penticton
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Patrick Sexton, a former Vees player and assistant coach, has been named the head coach of the Coquitlam Express. (Photo- Penticton Vees)

A former Penticton Vees player and assistant coach has moved on from the organization in favour of a new job on the Lower Mainland.

Patrick Sexton was named head coach of the B.C. Hockey League’s Coquitlam Express this week after spending the better half of the past decade as both a defenceman and coach in the Peach City.

“We are very excited for Patrick,” said Vees head coach, general manager and president Fred Harbinson. “He has earned the opportunity to be a head coach in the BCHL and will do a great job in Coquitlam.”

With the departure of Sexton, Penticton has elevated the responsibilities of its current staff, Harbinson added.

“We were fortunate to have had two quality defence coaches this past season in anticipation that Patrick would earn such an opportunity,” he said.

Sexton was named the Vees’ assistant coach ahead of the 2019-2020 season after playing on the team from 2013 to 2015.

The newly-named BCHL coach led Penticton to the league’s top-rated penalty kill during the 2022 playoffs.

“To the community, the billet families, the players, and the entire Vees organization thank you,” Sexton wrote.

“It is tough to put into words how grateful I am for having been able to spend five years in Penticton as both a player and coach. Some of my favourite and proudest moments in hockey came while being a member of the Vees.”

The former defenceman was the captain of the Vees when the team captured the Fred Page Cup in 2015.

“It’s bittersweet to be leaving Penticton but I’m excited for this next chapter in my life.”

READ MORE: Here’s what’s happening this weekend in Penticton: Peach Fest edition


@lgllockhart
logan.lockhart@pentictonwesternnews.com