KALAMAZOO, MI: The Kalamazoo Optimist Hockey Association is pleased to announce that Jeff Timpe will return to coach the '09 K-Wings for our 55th season (2019-20).

"Jeff did a tremendous job with our 09 group throughout the 2018/19 season. The players improved and had success on the ice, the families had a terrific experience transitioning from 8U to 10U hockey, and they all had fun. We look forward to another year of improvement, growth and smiles from this group," said Matt Kakabeeke, KOHA's Hockey Director.

Timpe is a KOHA alum, and on his third “round” (and 12th season) of coaching in KOHA. He coached learn to skate through mites while playing High School hockey, and then was on the bench as his oldest son came up through KOHA.  Most recently he has been on the ice with his younger son, Jackson, from Learn To Skate and Beginning Hockey through 6U and 8U, and last season as Head Coach of our 10U A K-Wings.

While the 2009 KWings found success on the ice (making a splash in both the District & LCAHL championship games), Timpe is quick to attribute the success to our development philosophy, "KOHA is so different now than when I played. The youth hockey experience has evolved, and KOHA has embraced a development model that is far superior to the old school ways. I love the focus on individual skill development and setting these kids up to be the best players they can be when it matters most - at 15, 16, 17, 18 years old and beyond. Make no mistake - we work to win games (because that’s FUN), but we will not sacrifice development for wins at 9 or 10 years old ," said Timpe. He goes on to say, "I am so excited to return to the bench with the 09 group. We had an incredible year of growth, learning, camaraderie and FUN! While I am unbelievably proud of the gains they made on the ice, I am even more proud of the kind of teammates they were to each other and the way they represented KOHA while wearing the KWings logo."

Congratulate Jeff when you see him around the rink!