Bob Boughner returns as Spitfires head coach

Calling it the worst kept secret in hockey, Bob Boughner, Windsor Spitfire President, said Wednesday he is returning to his old job as head coach of the Ontario Hockey League team.

In a brief statement at the Windsor Family Credit Union Centre, Boughner said friends and family had brought him back to Windsor.

He had taken a job as assistant coach with the Columbus Blue Jackets just one year ago.

Boughner said he supported what Head Coach Bob Jones did with last year's team and commended the team on their latest playoff run.

Boughner said the coaching staff lineup will revert back to what it was before Boughner left. Before Boughner's departure, Bob Jones was the assistant coach.

The former NHL player said this year's team would be made up of young players, sprinkled with some veterans.

Along with businessman Peter Dobrich and former NHLer Warren Rychel, Boucher purchased the Spitfires five years ago. He took over behind the bench for the Spitfires and helped turn them into a powerhouse, and was twice named the Canadian Hockey League's coach of the year.

Windsor won the Memorial Cup in 2009 — their first national championships — and again in 2010. Boucher also coached Canada to a gold medal at the under-18 world championships.