Bears Announce 2016 Head Coach Ron Kuprowsky

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The Sydney Bears would like to announce the appointment of Ron Kuprowsky as new Head Coach for season 2016. With the retirement of long serving head coach, Vlad Rubes at the end of last season, the team did not need to look far to find a suitable replacement. Kuprowsky is a former Bears player, and was assistant coach for the Bears during the 2015 season. Kuprowsky is looking forward to taking the reigns as head coach in 2016 and leading the team toward a successful season.
“I’m really excited heading into the new season. I saw from last year that there’s a really great core group of players here that we can mold into a solid playoff team. My goal is to become the first coach to win the Goodall Cup with two different teams!”
Ron is no stranger to the coaching ranks within the AIHL after leading the Sydney Ice Dogs to the Goodall Cup in 2013. The coaching change represents a new direction for many players who have only ever played under former coach Rubes. Sydney Bears Captain, Michael Schlamp is looking forward to the upcoming season.
“It was sad to have the Rubes era come to an end as he’s been a great friend and coach over a lot of years both with the Bears and national teams I’ve played on. But with Ronnie in charge now there’s a new energy and focus and I know the boys are preparing for success in the next few years. I need another Cup before I retire! Haha.”
Long time Bears forward, Adrian Esposito, who has only ever played under coach Rubes is looking forward to the change in leadership and playing a veteran role as the team transitions.
“I’ve loved playing for Vlad. He’s been a huge influence on me in my 13 years in the league. I’ve learned a lot and appreciated all he taught me. I guess my role as a senior player now will be to lead the guys by example as we learn some new systems and push for the playoffs with Ronnie in charge.”
For newer players to the Bears ranks such as Ritchie Tesarik, the announcement of coach Kuprowsky is a return to a coaching style he is very familiar with. Along with fellow teammate, Paddy Ward, both have won the Goodall Cup under Kuprowsky’s leadership. Tesarik believes the new head coach has what it takes to lead the Bears forward in 2016.
“I’m really looking forward to the 2016 season. Paddy and I are happy to have Ron as head coach once again. We know what to expect from him and he knows what to expect from us. He led us to victory once before and I'm sure he can do it again.”
The Bears will have some exciting player announcements to come in the lead up to the season that will help the bears continue to climb the ladder and hopefully a finals appearance in 2016!