Peter Goulet, the longest-tenured coach in the Voodoos' franchise history, is leaving his post to take on a new challenge in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Goulet, who was hired to replace Marc Lafleur as head coach in the summer of 2022, has accepted an assistant coaching position with the Brantford Bulldogs. This move comes as a surprise to many, given Goulet's impressive track record and the Voodoos' recent success under his leadership.
Goulet's decision to leave the Voodoos is a significant loss for the team. He has been instrumental in transforming the Voodoos into a competitive force in the NOJHL, leading them to a second-place finish in the 2024-25 season, up from a seventh-place finish in the previous season. Goulet's coaching prowess is evident in his 600 wins and over 1,000 games of experience, as well as his recent recognition as the NOJHL Coach of the Year.
The Voodoos' general manager, Chris Dawson, acknowledges the impact of Goulet's departure, stating, 'We are very happy for coach Peter, as he has been a tireless worker on the bench and off the ice for our program. We know he is going to a great organization, and our owner, returning players, and staff will certainly miss him this fall.'
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, are excited to have Goulet join their ranks. They believe that his scouting expertise, combined with his coaching skills, will give them a competitive edge. Spencer Hyman, the president of hockey operations with the Bulldogs, said, 'This is a move we believe gives our organization a real competitive advantage. Peter is an outstanding human and coach who will build strong relationships with our players every day while continuing to be our lead scout.'
Goulet's move to the OHL is not unprecedented. He joins former Voodoos head coaches Scott Wray and Marc Lafleur in making the transition to Major Junior Hockey. Max Gavin, who preceded Lafleur, is currently the NCAA Division I varsity women's hockey coach at Lindenwood University.
The Voodoos now face the challenge of finding a new head coach who can maintain the team's recent success. Dawson emphasizes the importance of finding the right fit, stating, 'We aren't going to try and fit a square peg in a round hole. We have a great support system in place for a head coach, so we are looking for a new coach who is honest, hard-working, and eager to win a NOJHL championship.'
Goulet's departure from the Voodoos marks the end of a successful chapter in the team's history. His contributions to the team's development and success will be remembered and celebrated by the Voodoos' fans and stakeholders. As the Voodoos embark on their search for a new head coach, the team's future remains uncertain, but the legacy of Goulet's leadership will continue to inspire and guide the team towards future success.
