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Curt Malawsky has been named the new head coach of the Coquitlam Junior ‘A’ Adanacs. The long-time Adanacs player will replace a surprised Dan Perrault, who guided the team to a 20-1 regular season record and BCJALL title last season.

Curt has also enjoyed prior coaching success in the Junior ‘A’ loop, capturing the Minto Cup as a coach in ’04 and ’05 with the Burnaby Lakers. He stepped down from that role in ’07 to spend more time with his family.

“I’m excited to be back,” said Malawsky, who played his early lacrosse years in Coquitlam: from Novice right through to Junior ‘A’ and Senior ‘A’ in the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA).

“I’m very fond of the community and I’m looking forward to the challenge of hopefully getting this team to the Minto Cup.”

“I just have a passion for the game,” adds Malawsky.

Curt will also transition to the role of National Lacrosse League (NLL) coach and GM this season for the Calgary Roughnecks. He capped his NLL playing career last season winning a championship with the ‘Necks.

“I love giving back to the game. Lacrosse has been my life, it has opened so many doors for me and I feel like I owe the game something.”

“This is an important day for our club,” stated Coquitlam GM Ken Wood. “Curt Malawsky is a proven playoff and Minto Cup coach at the junior level and his success speaks for itself.”

Wood thanked Perreault and his staff for their efforts but decided “after much debate” change was needed as they aggressively pursue a national title in 2010.

“I believe at the end of the day this change is what we need to do to step up to the next level, to push and drive through to where we need to go to win the Minto Cup,” said Wood.

As for the automatic bid to nationals, Curt says it’s nice but doesn’t mean much in the end.

“People think it’s hard to get to the Minto Cup tournament, but it’s three times harder to win the Minto Cup,” stated Malawsky. “It’s going to be a long road ahead.”

Coincidentally, the last time a home team won the Minto Cup was in 2004, when Curt was behind the bench as a coach.

Coquitlam hopes some of that winning magic comes to town next season.

“I’m going to do everything I can to help both teams win a championship,” added Malawsky.

“I’m very fortunate and I don’t take it lightly. I cherish it.”

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