The New Tecumseth Civics were founded in 2016-2017 and in their first year of competition went 37-5-0 while winning the North Division Regular season championship, the man at the helm of that season? Ryan Wood. The Civics are proud to announce that Ryan Wood will be returning for the remainder of this season as well as next year’s 2022-2023 GMHL season as Head Coach and Scouting Director.

Wood who has been revered for his proficiency in recruiting and coaching will be joining the Civics after previously having 4 very successful season in the GMHL. While in the league he was able to put together a near spotless career record including playoffs of 191 Wins 33 Losses and 4 Ties.

Wood, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba started with the Bradford Bulls in 2013-14, before joining the Tottenham Steam from 2014-2016 and in 2016-2017 he was here in New Tecumseth working with the Civics. Ryan's teams in the GMHL had won 4 straight Division Championships along with 2 Russell Cup Championships, one with the Bulls and one with the Steam.

Following the inaugural season with the Civics Wood was given the opportunity to spend the next 3 seasons in the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL). The first tow as the GM and Head Coach of the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners in the Northern Ontario junior A Hockey League (NOJHL) where he led them to two winning seasons including a third place finish in the league standings in 2018-2019.

Following his time in Kirkland Lake, Wood was involved in the management and coaching of the OCN Blizzard in the Manitoba Junior A Hockey League (MJHL) before spending the past year and a half as the Hockey Director for the Connecticut Chiefs U15, U16 and U18 Split Season programs.

Throughout his tenure as a Head Coach and GM Ryan has made it his passion project to not only build winning hockey teams but to help advance the players on those teams to higher levels.

Wood is well versed in all aspects of the game, from the front office, to the bench and everything in between as former referee, Hockey Canada Ref level 4 & USA Hockey level 3, he officiated in the USHL, NAHL, SPHL, IHL & CHL from 2006-2012, including the Turner Cup finals (IHL).

The years have garnered Ryan the type of reputation people respect, between the player advancement mentioned and the ability to recruit high level players he has often found himself at the center of admiration in terms of his ability as a GM.

Outside of hockey Ryan grew up an athlete and was especially adept while playing softball throughout his life including representing team Canada on multiple occasions.

The Civics have got off to a tough start this season and Wood and his championship pedigree and reputation for recruiting some of the top players in league history is exactly what the doctor ordered for the franchise, all of us in Civic Nation are excited to welcome you home Ryan.