Jeff Willoughby recently stepped down from the Bears during his 12th season behind the bench. (Facebook/Prince Albert Northern Bears)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Bears Hockey

Willoughby steps down during 12th season with Bears

Feb 4, 2022 | 4:00 PM

For the first time since the 2010-2011 season, the Prince Albert Northern Bears will have a new head coach behind their bench.

The Bears announced on Thursday night that Jeff Willoughby stepped down from the role.

Bears president Laura Quesnel sent a prepared statement to paNOW to address Willoughby’s decision in more detail.

“Jeff Willoughby had made the decision to resign as head coach with the PA Northern Bears. We as an organization respect his decision and are truly thankful to Jeff for his 12-year commitment he has put into our team. For this, our organization will be forever grateful and wish Jeff nothing but the best. Moving forward Steve Young will be stepping into the role of head coach for the remainder of the season.”

In Willoughby’s tenure with the team, the Bears won the 2017 Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League (SFMAAAHL) championship, sweeping the Saskatoon Stars. They also defeated the Westman Wildcats in the Western Regionals to head to the Esso Cup that year in Morden, Man.

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Willoughby also coached his three daughters Kaitlin Willoughby, Morgan Willoughby and Lauren Willoughby. Kaitlin is on Calgary’s club in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association, after playing five years with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Morgan also played with the Huskies and joined the Bears this year as an assistant coach.

Young, who will step in for Willoughby for the rest of this year, has vast coaching experience, including his time with the Prince Albert Raiders from 2008-13, ranging from head coach, associate coach and assistant general manager positions.

The Bears are 8-13-3 (including seven regulation wins) and rank fifth out of seven teams in the Saskatchewan Female U18 AAA Hockey League.

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Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW