Cory Clouston will not be returning to the Kamloops Blazers bench next season, and the team says it will be naming a replacement coach tomorrow.

The Blazers say Clouston has decided to step down as associate coach.

The former NHL head coach says this was a personal decision. “I want to thank Tom Gaglardi and Matt Bardsley for the opportunity to join the Blazers. It was a very rewarding two seasons working alongside my brother, Shaun, and the rest of the hockey operations staff.”

Clouston spent two seasons with the Blazers, helping the team to two straight BC Division banners after joining the club in October of 2019. He had been coaching pro hockey in Germany before coming to Kamloops, and prior to that he had nine years of head coaching experience in the WHL and two-and-a-half years of NHL head coaching, with the Ottawa Senators.

His brother, Shaun, was promoted to head coach and general manager just last month, replacing former general manager Matt Bardsley.

Shaun will be entering his third year as the Blazers bench boss this coming season.

“I feel fortunate to have been able to go work with my brother the last two years,” Shaun said in a news release, adding he respects Cory’s decision to move on. “Cory brought a level of professionalism and commitment to our team on a daily basis. He played a key role in making sure our players were well prepared for each and every game.”

The Blazers will have a media availability at 10 a.m. in their front office on Thursday to announce a new associate coach.