Shawnigan Lake School has announced that James Pollock has been named the Head Coach of their Bantam Prep team for the 2019-20 season, while Matt Ellison has been named an Assistant Coach.
“James has done a superb job leading the Varsity teams over the past four seasons,” said Kevin Cooper, Director of Hockey at Shawnigan Lake School. “His hard work developing the student athletes is clearly evident and we feel James’ move to the Bantam Prep team will only continue to support the growth of Shawnigan hockey.”
Pollock, 39, has spent the past four seasons as the Head Coach of the Shawnigan Lake School Midget Varsity team, guiding the team to three Canadian Sport School Hockey League Championships and a regular season record of 101-13-0. He was also an Assistant Coach on the 2015 CSSHL Championship team.
“Coaching the Bantam Prep team is a very exciting opportunity,” said Pollock. “At Shawnigan we mesh the academic, fine arts, and athletic programs. As the schools Athletic Advisor, this fits nicely with coaching our younger athletes. It provides new challenges, and I am confident that these student-athletes will move on to the next level by developing purposeful on-ice skills, while being mindful and conscientious citizens. The addition of Matt Ellison, a long-time training partner and friend of mine is an extremely valuable addition to our program.”
Prior to coaching, the Victoria, B.C. product enjoyed a 15-year professional playing career, which saw him play nine games with the NHL’s St. Louis Blues, the team that drafted him in the fourth round, 106th overall, at the 1997 NHL Draft. Pollock led the AHL in goals and points by a defenceman during the 2001-02 season. He played four seasons in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds prior to turning pro.
Ellison, 35, just completed a 16-year professional playing career that saw him play 43 games in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers. The Duncan, B.C. product spent the past 11 seasons in the KHL, where he twice was named to the All-Star Game. He was selected by the Blackhawks in the fourth round, 128th overall, at the 2002 NHL Draft.
Prior to playing professionally, Ellison played one season in the WHL with the Red Deer Rebels where he led all WHL rookies in goals, assists and points and was named the 2003 WHL Rookie of the Year and CHL Rookie of the Year. Ellison also spent three seasons in the BCHL with the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
“Matt brings a wealth of playing experience and knowledge of the game,” said Cooper. “He is excited to work with bantam-aged student athletes and grow as a leader and coach at Shawnigan.”