He’s one of Flin Flon’s most recognizable faces, always visible at Bomber games with his loud wardrobe and louder encouragement.
Now, Jonathan Dougall is going to get his chance to coach some former NHL stars.
Dougall will serve as an assistant coach at the Women’s Resource Centre’s upcoming Montreal Canadiens alumni game at the Whitney Forum Dec. 3.
During the game, Dougall will be on the bench with the Canadiens alumni team.
“I got a call saying I got a job. Now, I’ll be coaching for the Habs team. I said, ‘right on,’” said Dougall.
Dougall, who lives with Down syndrome, has arguably been the Bombers’ biggest fan for decades, attending almost every game over that time. Dougall can often be seen near the glass, shouting plays and strategies to the players on the ice.
A number of community members and businesses sponsored Dougall in order to get him the position.
“Everyone knows John as the assistant coach. He’s always coaching from the sidelines,” said Jacquelyn Neufeld, a community living worker who works with Dougall.
The Habs alumni side will play against a team of 15 local players, aged 35 and over. Only a handful of roster spots remain on the Flin Flon team.
Nine former Canadiens players will suit up for the team. The final roster has not been confirmed, although Habs legend Guy Lafleur will not be making the trip north.
While Dougall wants his team to win, he doesn’t plan on letting his team play dirty.
“No, no, never. A good coach would never do that,” he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.
