Despite a banner year for the Barrie Jr. Sharks last season, it was recently announced that the team’s most successful coach has been relieved of his duties.
In a news release posted on the Sharks website Nov. 13, the organization announced that Ed Mauro had been relieved of his head coaching duties and replaced by Duane Eldridge, effective immediately.
The only mention of the now-former coach in the 278-word release was that “the Barrie Jr. Sharks thank Ed Mauro for his hard work and dedication to the team over the past five seasons.”
BarrieToday spoke with Mauro on Friday about his termination and the now-former bench boss said he wanted to leave “taking the high road.”
“Of course, it's very hurtful, it's very challenging, but I have a good reputation as a coach and as a developer of programs. This experience was unbelievable with the players and the process," he said. "I'm proud of what we accomplished in such a short time. To build this program from the ground up over the last five years into a nationally ranked program is quite fulfilling.”
The Jr. Sharks compete in the Provincial Women's Hockey League (PWHL) and currently sit 13th in the 23-team league.
Mauro said the support he has received from past players and parents as well as coaches throughout the sport has been “overwhelming.”
The news release said Eldridge “will bring a unique combination of experience and fresh perspective to the Jr. Sharks team.”
“Coach Eldridge has over 20 years of coaching and player development experience, that has included positions at the 'AA' level of every age group. Duane previously led our Barrie Jr. Sharks team from 2014 through 2018, during which time he helped over 20 players achieve their goal of moving on to play competitive USPORTS/NCAA hockey in Canada and the United States,” stated the release.
In the last five years under Mauro, the Jr. Sharks made their first playoff appearance. Mauro became the club’s first coach to have a winning record in a season, the Jr. Sharks became a top-10 nationally ranked team this season and has seen numerous graduating players receive scholarships.
BarrieToday attempted to contact Sharks GM Ted Dean about what led to the decision around Mauro's dismissal, but there was no response.
The organization's statement says: “Duane and I share the same vision for Jr. Sharks program, and I know he is the right coach to lead our team towards that vision.”
Eldridge will also remain head coach of the Barrie Sharks U15 'AA' team for the remainder of the 2022-23 season, a role he has held for the past three seasons.
The Jr. Sharks' next home games are at the East Bayfield Community Centre on Saturday Dec. 3 at 4:30 p.m., against the Durham West Lightning, and on Sunday, Dec. 4, when they host the London Devilettes at 2 p.m.
