Crichton assumes role as BCST head coach: new structure & staff announced

VANCOUVER, B.C. (Friday, April 5, 2013) – Coming off one of its most successful campaigns in recent years, BC Alpine Ski Association announced program and staff changes to the BC Ski Team and High Performance Program (HPP), effective immediately.

Newly-appointed BCST head coach Johnny Crichton, of Kamloops, B.C., takes the reigns and will oversee an impressive coaching staff for the provincial ski team. Crichton, a former World Cup coach for the men’s Canadian Alpine Ski Team from 2005-2010, has deep roots in B.C., as the current program director of the Sun Peaks Alpine Club and previously with the Okanagan Zone Team.

The new structure of the BC Ski Team will have the men’s and women’s team integrated, as well as a stronger connection to the HPP program and up-and-coming U16 ski racers.

“I am very excited about this new role as head coach of the BC Ski Team,” said Crichton. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to build on the awesome job that Brandon and Gregor have done preparing this current group of elite athletes. We have so many great coaches across the province with an excellent support system in BC Alpine and I plan on utilizing them to the fullest. My staff is top drawer and I look forward to getting started.”

Jean-Pierre (JP) Daigneault, from Mansonville, Quebec, will be returning to the BCST staff, moving over to the women’s side as lead women’s coach, after one season with BC Alpine as the men’s assistant coach. Nick Cooper, a former FIS coach for the Fernie Alpine Ski Team and Whistler Mountain Ski Club – as well as two seasons with the Canadian Alpine Ski Team – will be a lead coach with the men’s team. Aaron Speden, of Calgary, Alberta, is returning to the BCST staff in a role as serviceman and technician, while Andrew Lambert will assume a new role as Sports Science Director in addition to his role as Strength and Conditioning coach.

“We have put together a world-class coaching and support staff and I’m very excited and confident that the program will produce champions,” said Gordie Bowles, BC Alpine Athletic Director. “We have a very talented and committed group of athletes that we will continue to support and some young talent coming through a healthy club system; this is exciting times for ski racing in B.C.”

The new staff and select athletes will convene in Whistler April 17-21, 2013 for the BCST Selection Camp, which will be integrated with the first HPP camp. Official camp invites and trip sheet will be sent to the invitees shortly.

BC Alpine is saying goodbye to two top level coaches who have been instrumental for BC Alpine programs over the past many seasons. Brandon Dyksterhouse, men’s head coach from 2010-2013, is departing BC Alpine after accepting a new position with Echo Mountain Resort in Colorado, and Gregor Druzina, who was a provincial team coach for the last six seasons, is also departing at the end of the season. BC Alpine wishes Dykster and Gregor all the best in their next venture and commend them for their professionalism and dedication to ski racing.

BC Ski Team staff: 2013-14
Head Coach: Johnny Crichton
Women’s Coach: JP Daigneault
Men’s Coach: Nick Cooper
Serviceman: Aaron Speden
Sports Science Director: Andrew Lambert
Team Manager: Gordie Bowles

Selection Camp Athlete Invitees:

HPP Coaches:
Jeff McLennan, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
John Newton, Vancouver Ski Team
Wade Christie/Derek Trussler, Big White Racers
Ryan Jazic, Whistler Mountain Ski Club
Jorgen Anderson, Apex Mountain Racers