Dillon named BC Intercollegiate Hockey League’s Coach of the Year

November 9, 2023

VICTORIA – The University of Victoria men's hockey coach, Alec Dillon, is the 2023 British Columbia Intercollegiate Hockey League's 2022-23 Coach of the Year. The award marks the second consecutive Coach of the Year nod for Dillon, who took over the Vikes hockey program three years ago from now-General Manager Harry Schamart.

"It feels really nice to get the recognition—while the goal is to win a banner, we have a big group of coaches and supporters, and it's a sign that we are going in the right direction and holding a high standard for the program. It's definitely a team effort," said Dillon.

When asked what he's done to deserve the award two years running, Dillon said it's probably for his efforts beyond his head coaching duties. "I've made an effort to build strong relationships with other coaches, and I'm always looking for ways to improve the league. I really care about the league and the UVic hockey program," he said.

While Dillon's passion for the league is clear, his coaching prowess is equally as impressive. The Vikes are off to a great start this year, currently sitting in first in the place with a regular season record of 7-1.

After playing two seasons with the Vikes, Dillon, a former goaltender, served as UVic's assistant coach during the 2019/2020 season. The Nanaimo product is a former Victoria Grizzlies (BCHL) standout and played one season with the Edmonton Oil Kings (WHL) while being selected 150th overall in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft (Los Angeles Kings) before a season-ending hip injury.

Beyond his role as Vikes bench boss, he's a full-time coach at the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy based in Langford, BC.

His ultimate goal is to coach at the U SPORTS level. "I would love to see the UVic program grow to a place where we are good enough to be a part of U SPORTS. We hold our players to the highest standards and strive to play at the highest level," said Dillon.

"I'm a UVic alumni, and I have strong ties to the Island and UVic, so that's something I would love to see that happen."

The non-varsity B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League may be the best-kept hockey secret in the province. Don’t let the non-varsity status fool you, many of the athletes have already gone through Junior A and Junior B--it's a high calibre of hockey.

Dillon and the Vikes are back on the ice Friday, Nov. 24, at 7:30 p.m. at the Ian Steward Complex.

Check out the UVic men’s hockey schedule here