Wingham Ironmen head coach Louie Livingston is saying goodbye to life behind the bench. The longtime junior hockey coach has decided to retire.
"I really enjoyed coaching those guys." He said over the phone last week. "That is what I am going to miss the most, working with younger players."
Livingston enjoyed a successful time as well, Wingham finished first in the league this season and won the Western Junior C title in 2014. Livingston won his first title with the Ironmen back in 2004.
Being apart of some winning teams made the already tall man stand out around Wingham. Livingston says it was always an honour to be considered an important part of the community.
"You see people all the time on the streets and they come up and want to talk to you about the team." He says. "It's the reward of coaching."
It wasn't an easy decision. Livingston says he would have liked one more run at a provincial title. He has been at it a long time including stints with the Listowel Cyclones. Livingston won't be a stranger to the rink, hoping to come out and watch the Ironmen next season.
"I have two grand kids and another on the way, someday I hope to coach them." Livingston said, adding he won't be a stranger to the Westcast Community Complex. "I'll be around, I could never walk away completely, I want to keep watching the guys."
Being around the local game so long, Livingston has been able to watch teenagers grow into men through hockey. That includes a pair of key players in the Ironmen's title over 10 years ago, who are following in the steps of their old coach.
"To have coached guys like Zack O'Krafka and Joel Riley, and to have them coaching with me last season was really special."
One thing is for sure for Livingston, nothing will ever beat getting to put on his skates and parade around with his players after winning the Western Junior C title.
