The Steinbach Pistons announced today that the team and Head Coach and General Manager Paul Dyck have agreed to a five-year contract extension which runs until the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
Dyck has been with the Pistons organization since the 2010-11 season where he started as an Assistant Coach and the Director of Sales and Marketing. He became the Head Coach on an interim basis in the midst of the 2011-12 season and was officially named the Head Coach and General Manager during the 2012 offseason.
“We are excited with the renewal of Paul’s contract,” Pistons Governor and President of the Board of Directors Grant Lazaruk stated. “Paul has become the face of our organization and delivers on our vision to be the best junior hockey program in Canada. He not only develops hockey players, he develops quality young men.”
“I’m grateful to have the support of our Board of Directors, and I’m honoured to have been offered the extension,“ Dyck said. “Steinbach is home for our family and being able to coach the team has been one of the greatest highlights of my career in hockey.“
Under Dyck’s tutelage the Pistons have grown to become one of the top junior programs not just in Manitoba, but across the country. Since 2012-13, the Steinbach native has guided his team to three regular season titles, one Addison Division title, four league finals appearances, two Turnbull Cups in 2013 and 2018, the ANAVET Cup championship in 2018, and an appearance at the Centennial Cup in 2018.
The Pistons have a 340-111-15-21 record since the two-time MJHL Coach of the Year took over nine years ago, while boasting a league best 73.5% win percentage. The last three years have seen big success for the organization with players playing at the next level. 13 alumni are either committed to or playing in NCAA Division I schools, and 37 alumni playing either in NCAA Division III, U Sports, or professional hockey leagues across the globe. This year for the first time, one of Dyck’s former players suited up to play his first game in the NHL as Cole Smith debuted with the Nashville Predators earlier this season.
“I believe we have created some wonderful memories for our fans and players, and I look forward to the next chapter with the Pistons,” Dyck added. “I am definitely excited about the puck dropping in the fall.”
Lazaruk puts it best, saying “Congrats and thank you Paul for making the Pistons your team.”