Doungchak’s appointment to the role marks the first time in USA Hockey history that an Oregonian has held the title of Pacific District Coach-in-Chief as he also becomes the first non-Californian to do the same in more than thirty years. Doungchak will be stepping into the role that was previously occupied by Larry Bruyere, who held the title of Pacific District CIC for the past ten years.
“I’m so excited to be a part of something that gives me the opportunity to give back to a sport that has had such a tremendous impact on my life,” says Doungchak on being appointed CIC. “The Pacific District just became the fourth largest USA Hockey district in terms of overall player registration, passing many more ‘traditional’ markets, and I’m looking forward to doing everything that I can to continue that growth within our district at all levels.”
At a quick glance, Doungchak will be tasked with overseeing all youth hockey coaches throughout USA Hockey’s Pacific District, which includes California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington (Alaska is also included in the Pacific District, however the state elects its own CIC due to its geographic isolation).
More specifically, some of the primary duties that will be required of Doungchak in his new capacity will include: developing and educating the current pool of youth hockey coaches throughout the district; growing the number of coaches throughout the district; improving the overall quality of coaching and teaching techniques, practice structures, individual drills, etc.; and representing the Pacific District at various USA Hockey conferences, events and meetings.
“Flint brings both the experience and innovative thinking that is necessary for the Pacific District’s Coach-in-Chief, says Pacific District Director Kristopher Knauss, “Through our rapid growth, Flint will be an asset for our thousands of coaches and volunteers as we strive to develop great coaches that further enhance the hockey experience for our players.”
Doungchak, who until this month had been serving as the Pacific District’s Associate Coach-in-Chief for the previous five years, was a logical choice as a successor by incumbent Coach-in-Chief Larry Bruyere.
“Flint is the natural selection for CIC as I exit stage left,” says Bruyere. “He has been involved with the Coaching Education Program (CEP) as an instructor for years and most recently as the Associate Coach-in-Chief, and he brings an abundance of knowledge with him. Flint is a natural educator and his IT capabilities only add to his value in this new position. He has already had a positive impact on the District as the Associate CIC and I anticipate many more great things to come.”
“We look forward to Flint embracing his new position,” added Knauss, “and educating our coaches on USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) as well as promoting involvement of coaches in our non-typical, rapidly growing markets around the Pacific District.”
A founding member of the USPHL’s Eugene Generals, Doungchak has served the team as General Manager since the franchise’s inception in 2005. In addition to his time spent with the Generals, Doungchak’s service as the Associate Coach-in-Chief and his continued work with Eugene youth and adult hockey, USA Hockey Development Camps, and countless coaching clinics made him a strong candidate to be recommended by the Pacific District to the National office.
The Pacific District congratulations Mr. Doungchak on his appointment and looks forward to him continuing his work to grow the game of hockey all throughout the West Coast.