When I was offered the opportunity to take over as GM of the South Grenville Rangers in May 2018 I did as I always do, and started a list. Top of that list was my most important goal, to build a program for everyone to be proud of; staff, ownership, players and fans alike. Here we are at the beginning of 2019 and as I share my list with you I think it's fair to say we are proud of how far our program has come.

1. Coaching Staff; I felt I had a no brainer of a decision to make by naming Ron Harrison our Head Coach. That decision had the potential to not age well, but I knew where we both lacked in experience we made up for in passion and love for junior hockey in our community. Ron has developed into a coach that is motivating, highly accountable, and demanding of everyone's best. Followed by the additions of the calm, steadying Bull (Duane VandenAnker) and happy go lucky Richard Joudion rounded out our staff that continues to take us to new heights.

2. The SGR Culture; Attitude, Work Ethic, Character.  After last year's 9 win season we knew we had to change our culture. Did we think we'd be 1st place in our division? No, but we did know win or lose we would enjoy coming to the rink and be proud when leaving it. Every single person we brought on board was going to buy in to the program we were trying to build.

3. Players; not only were we looking to improve our team on the ice but off it as well. Well recruiting, we made it clear to everyone that your character took presidence over skill. With only 10 returning players I knew I had my work cut out for us but we also had an opportunity to put our stamp on this team. 5 locals, 3 Americans, and 4 other misfits later we have a TEAM top to bottom that can compete with anyone. 

4. Fill The Leo; We had many plans on how we would fill our beloved rink this season and make sure everyone in the NCJHL knew what South Grenville hockey was all about. Unfortunately the Leo has been retired, but we've moved The Row to Cardinal and we've settled in quick (8-0-1). PACK THE TRACK has set the tone all season, and proves that the Leo Boivin Arena is missed but the South Grenville community lives on. 

The VanLuits like the Harrison's, Lawrence's, Kelso's, and Bennett’s before them have made large sacrifices to keep junior hockey in South Grenville. Without the names above I wouldn't have grown up watching, playing, and now managing my first love of SGR hockey. Everyone involved has built this program into something to be proud of and for that my biggest goal for this season has already been achieved.

Cheers to achieving new goals,

Lucas Stitt

General Manager

South Grenville Rangers