Mike Forbes – Head Coach

Mike Forbes is entering his first season as head coach. Formerly an associate coach with Grand Valley State, Forbes’ responsibilities included: on-ice activities, team systems and player development from 2007-2009. During this period, the Lakers had a regular season record of 49-12-3 and enjoyed their highest ranking in team history with a third-place finish at the 2007 National Tournament held in Ft. Myers, Florida. Also while Forbes was at the helm, the Lakers posted a team-high winning percentage (.805), as was the 15 game winning streak to begin the 2007-2008 season. From 2003-2007, Forbes was head coach at Grand Haven High School (MHSAA) where he compiled an overall record of 59-39-4, including back-to-back conference championships in 2004 and 2005. In 2004’s conference championship season, the Buccaneers went undefeated in conference play with a perfect 10-0 record.

Professionally, Forbes has been the President of Aegis Sports Consulting since 1996. The firm specializes in recreation center development and management. It is through this experience that Forbes was named the General Manager of the Georgetown Ice Center in 2004.

Prior to moving to West Michigan, Forbes was the Commissioner and CEO of the Colonial Hockey League from 1994-1996, as well as the General Manager of the Salt Lake Golden Eagles (IHL) from 1993-1994. From 1985-1993 Forbes was a minority owner and Executive Vice President of the Cleveland/Muskegon Lumberjacks (IHL).

Forbes began his playing career in Southern Ontario working his way up the ranks of AAA to the Metro (Toronto) Junior “B” Hockey League and continued to the Major Junior level of the Ontario Hockey League. In 1976, Forbes had the distinction of representing Canada in the World Junior Championships, finishing with a silver medal.

In addition to his silver medal, Forbes has won the Ontario Jr. B championship, two Turner Cup Championships (IHL) and owns a Stanley Cup ring for his efforts with the 1991-1992 Pittsburg Penguins. He has been rostered on two Stanley Cup finalists, five Turner Cup Finalists, and two Central Hockey League finalists. He was also a member of the 1976 St. Catherines Fincups (OMJHL), who amassed an amazing 106 points in a 62 game season – an OHL record that that has yet to be equaled.

Reaching the pinnacle of his career, Forbes was selected in the third round of the 1977 NHL Amateur Draft by the Boston Bruins, 52nd overall. He spent the next nine seasons playing professionally, totaling over 650 games.

Forbes is confident the successes he has experienced as a player, coach, manager and owner will be repeated again with the Lakers. Forbes, a no-nonsense coach who has a simple philosophy of “Energy and Execution”, takes pride in leading teams that are notorious for always being difficult opponents. “Hockey is a simple sport and the foundation of winning teams hasn’t changed. No matter the skill level that your team possesses, if you out work your opponent, have superior team discipline, and commit to compete, you will have success. You may not win every night, but you will be successful in playing to your team’s potential.”