After five years of defending the blue line, former Polar Bears captain Blake Johnson is about to take on his biggest leadership role for SRJC yet: as head coach for the 2015-16 season. 

General Manager Tom Billeter named Johnson the official head coach for the upcoming season after the departure of former coach Mike Kovanis. Kovanis, who has decided to pursue other hockey opportunities, led the Polar Bears to two Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association titles in his two years on SRJC’s bench. 

“We are very thankful for Mike Kovanis and the time he donated to help grow our program and our players,” Billeter said. “We wish Mike the best as he pursues his hockey career outside of our club."

Mark your calendars SRJC Hockey fans, the official 2015-16 season schedule is available and chalk full of exciting new opponents and a few favorite rivals.

The season will kick off Sept. 25 against UC Berkeley at Snoopy’s Home Ice. The Polar Bears have opened the home season against Cal every year since re-banding six years ago and has never lost an opening match.

Coming off their third straight Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association title-winning season, the SRJC Polar Bears are ready to cast a new set of champions for the 2015-16 campaign.

SRJC will hold its official tryout Aug. 22 at Snoopy’s Home Ice in Santa Rosa. Intended for serious players, the skate is a rigorous audition to determine the Polar Bear’s official season roster.