Tyler Ertel to coach Elmira
Elmira Sugar Kings of the Greater Ontario Hockey League have replaced Cory McRae with one-time Spitfire star Tyler Ertel as their head coach. After a good start to the ’26-27 season, Elmira has since struggled and has a record of 6-10-1 and is near the bottom of the standings of the 12-team GOHL Western Conference.
The 55-year old Ertel (in photo at left) is just a few seasons removed from an assistant coach position with the Soo Greyhounds of the Ontario Hockey League.
A school teacher of many years, Ertel is also the founder of Holistic Hockey — working with professional and aspiring athletes of all ages and skill through his program that is designed to mentor and offer training in a positive, supportive and motivating environment.
As an OHL player, Ertel played five seasons in the OHL with his hometown Kitchener Rangers as well as with the Windsor Spitfires and North Bay Centennials.
Regular season and playoffs included, Ertel netted 144 goals, 176 assists, 320 points in 312 games while playing for high end coaches such as Joe McDonnell in Kitchener, Brad (Motor City Smitty) Smith in Windsor and Bert Templeton in North Bay.
Ertel later played at the University of Prince Edward Island and then obtained a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of Western Ontario.
Notably, one of Ertel’s sons, Jordyn, played in the GOHL with Elmira a few seasons ago.
