Doug Peters, hired by former Athletic Director John Cruickshank, came to the Bruins from the Burlington Cougars Junior B Team to coach the Bruins from 1973-78. He oversaw the resurrection of a Bruins hockey program in 1973 that was in disarray after the early years of OCAA play in the late 1960’s.
With Doug’s knack for recruiting such top Junior B talent as Eric Duncan, Kim Grant and Rob Redshaw, the Bruins became a dominant force in the mid-70’s. In his first year Doug saw dramatic results with a first place finish and Sheridan’s first provincial hockey championship. Doug’s superb second season record of 20 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie was only spoiled by a heartbreaking 7-5 loss to St.Clair in the provincial final.
Sheridan hosted the 1976-77 Nationals at Oakville Arena. The “Backdoor Bruins,” as they were called that year, drew an automatic berth in the tournament. They surprised everyone (except Doug) by advancing to the championship game against SAIT Trojans, capturing the silver medal. That year also saw the Bruins journey to Europe for a five-game Christmas tour. It was the first and only time, and is still a highlight of Bruins hockey history.
Doug’s OCAA league record of 68 wins, 30 losses, and five ties produced a winning percentage of .665 which remains the best in Bruins hockey history.