Dennis Sicard joined the Northumberland Nighthawks this season as our Power Skating Development Provider. He also took on the role of Head Coach of the Midget A team and the Assistant Coach of the Bantam AA boys. He worked closely with the Development 7 squad and spent countless hours working with the players of the Rep and Select teams during their practices.
Dennis played his Junior A hockey with the Port Hope Predators and came to the Nighthawks with over 13 years of Professional Hockey experience. His last season ended abruptly with a shattered elbow, which forced him out of the playoffs before he was truly ready to retire his player skates.
Last week, Dennis got a call, inviting him to join the Peoria Rivermen on their quest for a Championship victory.
Dennis played for the Rivermen in the 2014/2015 season, but was traded late in the season to the Knoxville Ice Bears. This twist of fate, found Dennis playing his typical, fast paced, intense style of hockey, and helping the Ice Bears defeat his old team for the Presidents Cup Championship.
This season, the first place Peoria Rivermen are taking no chances, and have made the smart move of securing Dennis to their team roster for their playoff run. Dennis is a long time veteran of the SPHL, he currently is second in the league for most regular season games played, and still holds the record with 2200 regular season penalty minutes. He is regularly the recipient of the Fan Favourite award and his jersey auctions have raised countless dollars for charities across the United States.
It is fair to say that Dennis is an asset to the game of hockey, whether it be on the bench as a coach, on the ice as a teacher, or in the game as a player.
We are all wishing Coach Dennis the very best on his endeavour to capture another Championship trophy! Know that the entire Nighthawks Association is rallying behind you!
Looking forward to having you back next season on the ice, teaching the Nighthawks how to fly!
Photo Credit: Nathan Kerley/Peoria Rivermen