The Victoria Grizzlies announced Tuesday that Craig Didmon has stepped down as head coach of the B.C. Hockey League club, to be replaced by general manager Brad Knight.
Knight indicated the club may treat the move almost as a leave of absence for Didmon, who finished the 2013-14 season as head coach after replacing Bill Bestwick in December.
"Craig indicated a month ago he was thinking of taking a year off to go spend some time with his family," said Knight, who only took over the GM job in Aprll. "He's still got a good relationship with the team."
Knight had nothing but good things to say for Didmon, who has coached at various levels in Greater Victoria.
"it's a real sad day for the organization with Craig stepping down. But on the other side of it, they say when someone leaves they leave the door open for someone else. We're hoping to promote a local coach (up to the Junior A level).
The team is in the process of interviewing potential assistant coaches, Knight said. Scott Hawthorne will remain as defence coach and video analysis expert, but a new coach will help Knight out with the offence.
Roster-wise, the team has 12 returning players and six others committed, Knight said. As well, a new team captain has been selected and will be announced soon.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com