The North Bay Battalion confirmed today that head coach and director of hockey operations Stan Butler, who has been with the Battalion since day one of the franchise, is dealing with an undetermined health issue that will keep him away from the rink and off the bench for the time being.
“For the unforeseeable future Stan is going to take a medical leave and as of now I am going to take over managerial duties,” stated Adam Dennis, Battalion assistant coach and assistant general manager.
“Scott Wray is going to do a lot of what Stan was doing on the bench and aside from that it is going to be business as usual. I think at this point we have to respect his privacy and hope for a full recovery,” continued Dennis.
Dennis believes he and Wray are comfortable with this new temporary role.
“I think the one thing Stan has done a great job at is including Wrayzer and I in everything that he has done from the day we both got here,” said Dennis.
“We have done everything as a group so of course our captain [Butler] is not going to be here so that is going to be tough but he is also one call away and someone we can still lean on but at the same time we want him to get better so he can be here as himself.”
Justin Brazeau, the Battalion captain, is hoping the best for their longtime bench boss.
“It is tough, your health is your number one priority so we are hoping everything is fine with Stan,” said Brazeau.
“We still have Adam and Wrayzer here and they are not substitute teachers so we have to go out and work hard for them and see what happens here.”
Butler is in his 21st season with the Battalion franchise and fourth all-time in coaching wins in the OHL.
The Battalion head coach did not go on the bench for Sunday’s loss in Oshawa due to illness.
The Battalion is on the ice for a rare Wednesday night home game as the Ottawa 67’s are in town. Puck drop is 7 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.
