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Friday, October 12, 2007

One more coach on ICE...

Well, at least for the time being. Fort Vancouver Pioneers head coach Jon MacWilliams has found himself with some visa problems and unable to return to the USA. Reading the team's body language, there appears to be no timetable for his return. (This is probably asking too much, but keep the comments relevant to the story, folks... we don't need a rehash of last season.)

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posted by Marc Foster at 10/12/2007 01:16:00 PM

Comments on "One more coach on ICE..."

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:16 PM, October 12, 2007) : 

Not another FORT VANCOUVER story? COME ON!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:50 PM, October 12, 2007) : 

listen to Fort Vancouvers games this wkend live on www.sportsjuice.com.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:13 PM, October 12, 2007) : 

I mean really, are we surprised? The name and league may have changed but not organization!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:23 AM, October 13, 2007) : 

Enough about the organization. They are top notch! For MacWilliams, he can stay in Canada.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:43 AM, October 13, 2007) : 

"Enough about the organization. They are top notch! For MacWilliams, he can stay in Canada."

agree 100%. Especially the coach part

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:54 PM, October 13, 2007) : 

This is what is known as karma - MacWilliams was in the US illegally while he was stealing thousands of dollars from the Tuscon Tilt. Good riddance - no green card for you!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:33 PM, October 13, 2007) : 

I certainly wouldn't call the organization "top notch". Guess you don't know their history. Somehow doing illegal things isn't "top notch" in my book.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:38 PM, October 13, 2007) : 

I guess MR. Macwilliams thought he was untouchable as he was arrested by immigration and customs enforcement for being in the US with out the proper documents. didnt learn the first time, owell Hockey here is better without him

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:10 AM, October 14, 2007) : 

So were hiring illegal aliens to coach our youth hockey teams? EXCELLENT! Are you a US citizen? NO Do you have a green card? NO

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:53 AM, October 14, 2007) : 

Classic! What comes around goes around. Maybe there is a hockey group in Vancouver willing to look the other way like Fort Vancouver did and Jon can find another new home. Oh I Laughed hard when I read this. Sunday just got better.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:40 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

He was not arrested by immigration. He was simply denied re-entry. You weren't there. Paperwork is being processed for permanent residency. It all takes time - same as in US.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:50 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

Speaking as a hockey mom, it sounds like alot of sour grapes as far as Coach MacWilliams is concerned. Not all people get along or like decisions that are made in any organization.
How can he possibly keep landing on his feet if everything that was said about him in this blog was true?? Maybe some truth, but I think alot of just "bashing" as well?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:23 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

Thanks hockey mom, agreed.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:15 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

I have to agree with hockeymom here...
Seriously though, from last years blogs…
-Jon MacWilliams was going to be arrested, charged, extradited and unable to have anything to do with hockey ever again.

-He was accused of doing drugs, domestic violence, lying, stealing, hiding and gambling.
This could not have all been true, or he wouldn’t be anywhere near kids/hockey.
Definitely sounds like bashing and/or sour grapes about an organization that unfortunately went under. Maybe we take it as it is, a Canadian married to a US Citizen waiting on a green card???

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:19 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

What part of a a ban by USA Hockey(5 years I believe) don't people get? Johnny Mac is all that you read about, I know, I lived it. He is with the Pioneers because they are an unsanctioned team by USAH and Hockey Canada, otherwise he would not be around peoples kids. Has anyone noticed how Mr. Law is a part of the WHA as well? Two peas in a pod. These guys wronged us in Tuscon, don't let it happen again!! Do your research, its all out there.

 

Blogger Marc Foster said ... (5:46 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

Actually, Jeremy Law is not in the WHA. That's his father, Ken Law, that is coaching the Oliver Jets.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:13 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

It is hard to believe that all happened when the comments remain anonymous. I am sure if the indiscretions that were alleged took place, McWilliams would have been charged and it is no secret he has been in WA for several months, I agree with Hockey Mom, sour grapes or bashing, you pick!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:58 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

Totally agree here.....
NO way all of that could have "actually" happened and he still be around.
I mean he isn't hiding, he has been very public with the new team. Usually people who do those kinds of wrongs don't advertise where they are...and it is certainly no problem locating Jon MacWilliams this year??? So go figure...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:15 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

There are some people who do 'wrong' or maybe even illegal things... and they just don't get that it's wrong or illegal, they think they are above the law, or that they won't get caught. I think that MacWilliams and the Pioneer organization both think this way. They don't get it. If the Pioneer organization was 'innocent' in their doing from last year, then why did they have to join an unsanctioned league? If MacWilliams is so wonderful then why did he have to leave Tucson and is not being let back into the US?
He should have had his paperwork in order BEFORE he accepted the job, knowing he'd be going back and forth between the US and Canada. I don't think any of the comments are "sour grapes", this whole situation continues to give hockey a bad name.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:16 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

I don't see where anyone said MacWilliams was wonderful, just not as bad as some people try to make him out to be, and didn't he leave Tuscon because his team went under?
I don't think that has anything to do with him being denied re-entry into the US...maybe lack of judgement on not waiting for paperwork, but I see hockey getting a bad name because people tend to make more out of things than they actually are.
Waiting on paperwork for a greencard? Isn't it just that simple?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:08 PM, October 14, 2007) : 

HE was arrested in Tucson, for being in the US illegally, something fishy about having to fly to Mexico and claim US citizenship in order to gain entrance as he was denied entrance the first time. What a winner,just love how people still think he's a "good guy"

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:59 AM, October 15, 2007) : 

MacWilliams is quoted in the newspaper article as having been in the US for 3 years. He just got around to applying for a green card a few months ago? The only things that come out of this guy's mouth are lies.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:28 AM, October 15, 2007) : 

Seems like the Pioneers and MacWilliams deserve each other!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:54 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

Maybe he was on a working visa, then decided to apply for a green card?
Where in the quote from the paper was a lie? Did he apply for the green card before a few months ago, or has he not been in the US working that long? I am confused!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:58 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

MacWilliams had a temporary visa, they are only good for 6 months at a time and you have to re-apply. Permanent Residency is what he needs, which allows him to live and work in the US on a permanent basis, if this is where he chooses to reside full time. The temporary had expired. He put in paperwork with the INS in Portland in the last few months as he stated "in the paper".

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:29 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

So if that is the case, what seems to be the big deal?
I'm sure he will be back behind a US bench soon enough..

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:20 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

exactly. All legal paperwork is being processed, as soon as immigration gives the ok - all is well. In the meantime, the team continues and he is very much a part of it on a daily basis, from abroad. This is just a minor hic-cup and we hope he will be back with his team soon.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:54 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

You poor, poor people. This is only the beginning of the headaches for you. It started the same way the summer of 2006 right before the Tucson season began and he was in trouble with immigration there. He will weasel out of this situation but more will follow. We lived the Tucson fiasco first hand, all of it is true. The players of Fort Vancover are the ones who will be disappointed. Jon MacWilliams has no conscience what so ever, and will drag you down with him. Hide and WATCH!!!!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:39 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

I think I will be sitting back and watching to see what unfolds.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:49 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

Sounds like MacWilliams and Fort Vancouver are perfect for each other!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:51 PM, October 15, 2007) : 

Seems to me that the issues with MacWilliams are more than a "little hiccup". Maybe that's all that the Fort Vancouver see in all these shady dealings, they are all just hiccups! NOT!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:08 AM, October 16, 2007) : 

Curious as to how long something like this paperwork takes? Could MacWilliams be gone for the season?
Just thinking how much a head coach could be able to coach when they are not there.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:28 PM, October 16, 2007) : 

JUST WONDERING
""WHY"" DO THE FINE PEOPLE OF VANCOUVER WASHINGTON PUT UP WITH IT? (STILL?)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:44 PM, October 16, 2007) : 

I love the stricter rules on crossing the border.
GOD BLESS AMERICA!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:32 PM, October 16, 2007) : 

Since the WHA is a Canadian league, maybe the team should just move to Canada? Then the coach wouldn't need paperwork and Vancouver wouldn't have the blemish of the Pioneers!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:23 PM, October 16, 2007) : 

oh geez..how ridiculous is that!*&

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:08 PM, October 16, 2007) : 

Yes he has been here for three years, but what he failed to mention is how he got here. I guess it's okay to fly to Mexico and claim US citizenship in order to fraudulently enter the US as he was denied permission to enter on the Canadian border. I like to see the actual truth come out for those of you that lived the Tucson B.S. like I did you all know what I am talking about, but for those of you who think otherwise be prepared to get blindsided, someone who is 38 years old and still pulling the shit that he does NEVER changes.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:27 AM, October 17, 2007) : 

Sounds like sour grapes to me! Did your kid not get to play much?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:13 AM, October 17, 2007) : 

It keeps getting mentioned, the truth will come out, we know the truth ....but nothing more? What "truth" and/or proof? How does one determine if he illegally entered through Mexico or hearsay. Alot of allegations get thrown out, but again, nothing more. I checked the Arizona court listings, and there is the mess with the team apartments last year, but nothing much else.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:39 AM, October 17, 2007) : 

Marc posted the eviction notices, nothing new there.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:27 PM, October 17, 2007) : 

My personal experience with Jon is that he is a nice guy. I have much respect for him. My son learned alot about hockey from him this summer and for that I am grateful. I hope he gets back to the US soon.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:45 PM, October 17, 2007) : 

In reference to the last few posts I wrote the comment about him entering illegally and so on, I know the truth because Jon told me himself how he got here. Why would you tell a story like that if it wasnt true, and to the comment about my kid not playing much I DONT HAVE KIDS. I was involved with the rink. So I got to see it all, good luck to you all by the looks of it you are all easily duped.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:48 PM, October 18, 2007) : 

Any word on when MacWilliams will be returning to the US? Though I guess it doesn't matter since he's coaching the team from Canada. You would think that he would know the deadlines to get all the paperwork in by..... but maybe he's just not that smart?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:10 PM, October 18, 2007) : 

How much can you actually coach from another country????

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:51 PM, October 18, 2007) : 

I don't know how he can be coaching from another country, but the blogger from 10/15 indicated that he is still very much part of the team and in daily contact. There is no problem, just a hiccup. So, how is he running a team that is in the US when he is in Canada?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:17 PM, October 19, 2007) : 

"Head coach Jon MacWilliams is still in Vancouver, B.C., awaiting his green card so he can return to the United States. Cheek said he has had informal discussions with several local people about the coaching position, but that no decision is imminent."
www.columbian.com
Does this mean he'll lose his position considering he is still in Canada?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:04 PM, October 19, 2007) : 

How long will the Pioneers wait for Jon MacWilliams to get his green card before they find another coach? What happened to the coaches they had last year? Why aren't they back on the bench?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:56 AM, October 20, 2007) : 

Tim O'Neal would be a better coach than the snake - MacWilliams! To bad that the management was doped by this loser. Well, not surprising since they don't know the game of hockey.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:35 PM, October 20, 2007) : 

I heard they really dumped on Tim O'Neal. But they lost the other coach too. Maybe he had integrity and left on his own?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:31 AM, October 21, 2007) : 

Coach O'Neal was a good man. Atleast from what I know of him, which is little. He has made mistakes, but I must say he was always a gentlmen and I have tremedous respect for the guy.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:37 PM, October 21, 2007) : 

All of you that do not believe the posts need to send Marc the blog master an email, He knows everything. Jon did all of the things he was accused of, it really amazes me that al of this is already starting and you still can't see it. There is a huge "I told you so" coming. History repeats itself.
Just his names makes me LOL

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:03 PM, October 21, 2007) : 

I find all of this banter amusing. If this guy was guilty of even a fraction of what was alleged in Arizona, he would be facing trial in prison. The allegations also deal with mis-management of money. It is my understanding the he is just coaching in Vancouver, so what do they have to worry about? He must be able to coach or they wouldn't have hire him with all this baggage.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:25 PM, October 21, 2007) : 

Well apparently not coaching either because he is stuck in Canada...
How long will he have a job?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:27 PM, October 21, 2007) : 

He runs the same five %^&$y drills, I know I plaed for him. Awful coach and a worse person. I was out 6k less than two months into the season and had no place to play. He is a snake and just slithered to another hole.It wont matter anyway he will not be allowed back into the US.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:45 PM, October 21, 2007) : 

I thought nobody paid to play for the TILT?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:20 PM, October 22, 2007) : 

About 15 of us did. (we must of had bad agents)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:35 PM, October 22, 2007) : 

HELLO HOCKEY FANS
WHAT ABOUT THE BOOSTER CLUB, THE FANS, THE PARENTS, THE ICE RINK OWNERS, OF VANCOUVER WASHINGTON(HOME OF THE PIONEERS)
WHY DO THEY PUT PUT WITH ALL THE YUK ??
THERE ARE HUMANS OUT THERE WHO COULD PUT A HONEST CLUB TOGETHER THERE.
IT STARTS WITH OWNERSHIP, THEN A FRONT OFFICE, THEN THREE COACHES THAT WANT TO WIN, BUT WONT CHEAT TO WIN !
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:18 PM, October 22, 2007) : 

Where is Tom Gustafson when you need him?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:30 AM, October 23, 2007) : 

The Pioneer ownership is in it for the money. The parents and players are happy because the team is winning, they don't care how ethical or unethical the organization or coach is. All they care about is the final score.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:25 PM, October 23, 2007) : 

Bravo to the last post, as someone who is ashamed to have been associated with that group, I can say that is 100% accurate.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:03 AM, October 24, 2007) : 

Didn't the owners do a background check on MacWilliams?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:31 PM, October 25, 2007) : 

Why would they do a background check? They don't care about what the background is of people connected with the Pioneers. Crimals are welcome to be involved with them!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:28 AM, October 26, 2007) : 

If the coach is not a US Citizen, with proper documentation to work in the US, what effect will that have with Uncle Sam, and for his employer the Pioneers? for that matter the previous employers in the states.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:17 PM, October 26, 2007) : 

Well, you would think that they wouldn't want to hire someone who had any kind of 'record', whether if in the US or in another country (ie: Canada).

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:47 PM, October 27, 2007) : 

I was looking up WHA scores this morning, why didn't the FVP play last night? Anybody know?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:55 PM, October 27, 2007) : 

What record does he have? was he ever 'convicted' of anything?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:51 PM, October 27, 2007) : 

Fort Van BOOTED from WHA!! Marc you always get the good scoops!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:58 PM, October 27, 2007) : 

Hey Marc, you better increase you server capacity for this one! Fort Vancouver Booted! PRICELESS!!!!!!!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:58 PM, November 02, 2007) : 

Pios were booted...
the players arnt gettin there money back....
coach tried to sneak back accross after the osoyoos weekend, and got stuck
im out 5500 bucks, along with a few other guys, most guys didnt pay, or even have the intention of paying...

no wonder the team fell appart

 

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