The Fort Frances Lakers are looking for a new head coach.

Tyler Miller is stepping down after three seasons.

In a statement, Miller says he wants to spend more time with family.

“It is time to be with my family and watch my kids play hockey,” states Miller.

Miller joined the team as an assistant coach in 2021 and was named head coach two years later.

He guided the team this year to their best on-ice performance since 2017, taking the 3rd place Thunder Bay North Stars to seven games in the playoffs before bowing out.

“I would like to thank the Lakers board for believing in me to help bring the program back,” states Miller.

“We have accomplished a lot from when we started.”

Miller also thanks the players and coaching staff for their support and “being on the same page with the same goals for the program.”

He also thanks Lakers fans for their support.

“The last home game was a true testament of our hockey town. That will be a memory that will be with me for a very long time.”

Miller does plans to remain involved with the organization as a board member while overseeing the Lakers AAA youth program he helped create last season.

“On behalf of the Fort Frances Lakers Board of Directors, we thank Tyler for his commitment to the Lakers program, and for the major strides the team took during his time as Head Coach,” states Lakers Vice President, Sarah Kivimaki.

“Tyler’s passion for this organization and our community is evident to all those he has worked with, and his contributions have strengthened Fort Frances’ passion for hockey,” says board member Mike Cuzzolino.

The club says a new head coach will be named in the coming weeks.