Late season head coach replacement becomes head coach hiring for Rebels

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Castlegar Rebels have hired Alex Evin as their new head coach.

After taking over as interim head coach of the Castlegar Rebels late last season, Alex Evin has been handed the job for the next two years.

Evin was hired on May 1 as the head coach and assistant general manager, signing a two-year contract, after joining the club in early February when the Rebels fired Nick Headrick, serving as interim coach for the club’s last seven games of the regular season and the first round of the playoffs.

The Castlegar native spent eight years with the BCHL’s Prince George Spruce Kings, where he won the BCHL’s Fred Page Cup in 2019. Evin joked in February about “getting bored” and the opportunity came to join the Castlegar Rebels for the rest of the season.

Evin brings a wealth of experience on the ice and behind the bench. A former standout goaltender in the BCHL and NCAA, Evin transitioned into coaching after a successful playing career. He also served as assistant and head coach for the Selkirk College Saints men’s hockey team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Alex back to his hometown and into a leadership role with the Rebels,” said Rebels vice president Mitch Rinas. “His track record of player development, competitive success, and strong character align perfectly with our vision for the future of this organization.”

Evin expressed enthusiasm about returning to Castlegar and contributing to a team he grew up watching.

“It’s a great honour to come home and take on this role,” said Evin. “The Rebels have a rich tradition, and I’m excited to build on that by developing a team that works hard, plays the right way, and represents the community with pride.”

Evin will begin working immediately with the existing staff to prepare for training camp, recruitment, and the upcoming season.