Rams appoint Johnny Duco as interim head coach
TORONTO – The Ryerson University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Johnny Duco as the Interim Head Coach of the men’s hockey team for the 2016-17 season.
TORONTO – The Ryerson University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the appointment of Johnny Duco as the Interim Head Coach of the men's hockey team for the 2016-17 season.
Duco has served as an associate coach with the Rams for the past three seasons and moves into the role of interim head coach following the retirement of Graham Wise.
"We're very excited to have Johnny lead our team in an interim role for this upcoming year," said Dr. Ivan Joseph, Director of Athletics at Ryerson. "He has spent a lot of time with our players and has good relationships with them which certainly makes the transition easier."
Prior to joining the Rams in 2013, Duco spent three seasons as a coach in the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) as well as two seasons in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League (GMHL). As head coach of the Bradford Rattlers in the GMHL, Duco led his team to a perfect 42-0-0-0 regular season record and a Russell Cup championship in the 2012-13 season.
"This opportunity means everything to me," said Duco when asked about taking over as head coach of the Rams. "This is a great chance for me to continue to learn and develop my skills. I have been extremely fortunate to work with Ryerson Athletics and coach Wise the last three years and learn from his 30 plus years of experience in the CIS. His mentorship has prepared me for this next chapter in my coaching career."
A certified teacher, Duco understands the importance of academic success and becoming involved in the school and community – attributes he wants to instill in his players.
"My expectation from this team is to create a culture of excellence by developing well-rounded student-athletes that excel in the classroom, community, and in athletics. I will push my players to be student-athletes who embrace being a part of the Ryerson community," added Duco.
Duco played his collegiate hockey in the NCAA with Oswego State when the Lakers were ranked No. 2 in the country. He also played for the Buffalo State Bengals and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness. Duco continued his education with a Masters of Science and Education from Medaille College in Buffalo.
The Rams open the 2016-17 regular season schedule on Thursday, October 6 when they host the Laurier Golden Hawks at 7:30 p.m. at the Mattamy Athletic Centre.
The Department of Athletics will open a national search for the next men's hockey head coach starting in early 2017.
Source: Ryerson Rams
