Former Axeman Paul McFarland named assistant coach with OHL’s Oshawa Generals

July 19, 2012 (WOLFVILLE, N.S.) – Former Axemen hockey player Paul McFarland was appointed as an assistant coach for the OHL’s Oshawa Generals on Wednesday.McFarland, who will work under newly appointed head coach DJ Smith, left a previous profession in accountancy to complete an Education degree at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, before landing the coaching position with the Generals.While at Acadia from 2007 to 2010, McFarland captained the Axemen for three of his four seasons. His experience at Acadia has guided his aspirations to enter field coaching of Canadian hockey.

“Acadia has given me so much, and is a big part of who I am today. I am forever grateful for the leadership opportunities and responsibility Coach Darren Burns gave me being at Acadia. The skills I was able to develop will hopefully make me a better coach”.

Paul’s hockey background in Junior hockey as a player in the Ontario Hockey League, began with the Kitchener Rangers in the 2002-2003 season. He then joined the Windsor Spitfires during the 2004-2005 season where he finished his OHL career. After the OHL, McFarland attended Acadia University earning his Bachelor of Business Administration.

Both his current employer and past, including Acadia head coach Darren Burns, were quick to support and acknowledge McFarland’s value as a player and a future coach.

“We are very excited for Paul. There is no doubt that the sky is the limit for this tremendous individual. He is one of the best leaders on and off the ice I have ever encountered in the game of hockey”, points out Burns. “He had a huge impact at Acadia, not only on the ice but on campus; throughout the public schools and the communities of the Annapolis Valley. Paul epitomizes what the game of hockey is all about. The Generals will immediately benefit from his appointment and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”

Generals’ general manager Jeff Twohey supported Oshawa’s decision in hiring McFarland. “Paul is a former player in the OHL that brought consistent leadership and a consistent work ethic on and off the ice. His knowledge of the OHL, current hockey systems and his passion and commitment, make him a perfect complement to our current coaching staff. He’s a bright young coach and we look forward to making him part of our team.”

Oshawa finished the 2011-12 regular season in third place in the OHL Eastern Division with a 31-30-4-3 record.

Source: Acadia Sports Information and the Oshawa Generals.