By Jake Howorth, North York Rangers Communications and Digital Coordinator
The North York Rangers are pleased to announce that Assistant Coach Sean Teakle is moving up to the OHL. He was named an Assistant Coach for the Niagara IceDogs for the upcoming season.
“ I super excited and thrilled to get this opportunity it’s a step up in leagues, working with a young team and looking forward to the work ahead,” Teakle explained. “I want to achieve winning and brining a championship to Niagara, while also developing these young men not only into great hockey players but young men. Giving back in their community and making them into successful people for what life will be like after hockey.”
Teakle hired by the Rangers in the 2016 offseason. His primary focus was on the defensive end of the ice and working with the defence. During his time with the Rangers, the team improved tremendously in their own zone. In a rebuilding season, the team developed into a responsible group, that ultimately upset the Toronto Jr. Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs. The two years prior, North York ranked in the top three in goals against per game and penalty kill.
“My time in North York was so instrumental in allowing me to get this opportunity. The culture all the way from the top of the organization to the players is unmatched,” Teakle said. “Also the passion for the game and the players to do the right things on and off ice there is unbelievable to me it is the best in OJHL.”
Head Coach Geoff Schomogyi hired Teakle shortly after being named bench boss. He has been a virtual cog the team’s overall success.
“We are really happy for Sean moving on with the Niagara Ice Dogs. He will be dearly missed by our staff and players. He has been with me since the start of my time in North York and is a big reason behind our success,” Schomogyi stated. “We would like to wish Sean the best of luck moving forward, and we really appreciate everyone he has done for North York.”
Teakle learned a ton from Schomogyi, which helped him prepared him for this type of opportunity with the Ice Dogs.
“I have learned so many lessons from Geoff, and when you sit down and talk hockey with him, you will see how smart of a hockey mind he is, and in my opinion, he is the best coach in the OJHL. It is hard to pick just one, but if I had to it would be to have an open mind and be willing to try new and different ideas,” Teakle explained.
During his time with the Rangers, the team has set franchise records, helped 24 players commit to NCAA or University schools and posted an unbelievable 124-69-8 regular-season record in four seasons.
“I am going to miss everything about the NYR the culture, the players, the staff it was all the best in the league in my opinion,” Teakle stated.
The Mississauga, Ont., native has a long resume in both coaching and scouting. In 2010, he began his coaching career with the Streetsville Derby’s as an Assistant Coach. A few years later in 2013, he was named an Assistant Coach with the Milton Icehawks, while also being named the Head Coach at The Hill Academy, where he coached until 2019. In those six years with The Hill Academy, the team won two ECEL Championships. While doing all of this, Teakle also scouted for the Ottawa 67’s from 2015 until 2020.
The North York Rangers wish him nothing but the best with the Niagara IceDogs.
