Medicine Hat Cubs co-head coaches J.D. Gaetan (second from left) and Steve Leipert (middle) will not return to the team in 2020-21 (Photo courtesy of Medicine Hat Cubs)

By Scott Roblin

Not Returning

Cubs decline to renew contracts of co-head coaches Leipert, Gaetan

Apr 20, 2020 | 4:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Despite coming off their best season in recent memory, the Medicine Hat Cubs have decided to part ways with both of their co-head coaches.

On Friday night, the Cubs announced via social media that both Steve Leipert and J.D. Gaetan will not be returning to the team calling it a ‘tough decision.’

The Cubs clarified that neither had been fired, however the decision was made to not renew their respective contracts.

Both Leipert and Gaetan joined the Cubs organization ahead of the 2016-17 Heritage Junior Hockey League season and helped turn the franchise from a basement dweller into a playoff contender.

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Gaetan served as head coach for three seasons before Leipert was promoted from assistant coach to co-head coach in September, with the pair leading Medicine Hat to a 25-11-2 regular season record.

Medicine Hat went on to fall in seven games to the Cochrane Generals in the second round of HJHL playoffs, the second straight year involving a Game 7 loss in round two.

The club is currently searching for head coach/assistant general manager and assistant coaching positions, while the Cubs announced on Saturday that Troy Sandau had been hired as the team’s new head scout.