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Rhodes steps down as Thunder coach

Former player will continue as a scout for Langley lacrosse organization
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Langley Thunder’s Darcy Rhodes has stepped down after one season as head coach. Rhodes will continue as a scout for the organization, however. Garrett James

The Langley Thunder are in the market for a new head coach following the resignation of Darcy Rhodes.

Rhodes stepped down as head coach of the senior A Western Lacrosse Association squad, but will continue in the organization as a scout for the Thunder junior A team in the interior — where he is relocating — as well as a scout for the senior A team in the interior and for American-born players.

“Darcy is a good friend and has been a leader on the floor and off for 18 years. His patience, calm demeanor along with his always positive outlook will be greatly missed in the room and on the bench,” said Thunder general manager Rob Buchan.

“It was important for Darcy as well as the management that he stayed on in some capacity with the organization.

Rhodes has spent the past 18 years with the organization, the first dozen as a player and then six as an assistant and head coach.

Langley went 4-14-0 in 2017.

“I’d like to think the Thunder organization and the Buchan family for the 18 years of support within the organization as a player and as a coach,” said Rhodes.

“It is easy to say that my career with Langley was highlighted by two Mann Cup runs and last year coaching the new wave of Thunder lacrosse players. I would also like to thank Andy Ogilvie, Craig Stevenson and Les Wingrove for all the work they put in and helping me grow as a coach.

“I am excited to start a new chapter in my life and will always consider myself part of the Thunder family and I am looking forward to my new role with the team and am excited to contribute in any way I can.”

Langley holds four of the first eight picks — including first overall — in the 2018 WLA draft.

“There is lots of work to be done this offseason, with four of the first eight draft picks this year, it is important that we get someone in place so they can evaluate the current team and contribute to any moves made in the offseason,” Buchan said.

sports@langleytimes.com