“We have two young boys and we felt it was time to move now for school reasons rather than wait until they got a little older.”
Walters, who played in the OHL for the Ottawa 67s and later went on to play minor pro for 11 years, explained how the coaching job with the Sting came about.

“When I moved to Sarnia I was playing hockey in Port Huron. But I was forced to retire due to concussion problems. I knew Jeff was the head coach of the Sting. I had played pro with him. I found out there was a coaching job open with the team so I put my name in.”

Walters said coaching with the Sting in Sarnia was an experience he will never forget.

“It’s been a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute of it. I wish we had had a little more success, especially in the playoffs. Sarnia is a great hockey city and deserve more.”

But “Wally” as he’s known by, says he loved the new friendships he’s made over the past eight years, especially with the players.

“As I coach all I tried to do was to make the kids better. But to have coached guys like Kris Newbury, Ryan Wilson, Matt Martin, Michael Haley, Steven Stamkos and Marco Caprara, just to name a few, was special. Those guys still call me on a regular basis and I’ve made some lifetime friends.”

He added, “when they call me and say thank you for helping them get to the National Hockey League, it’s very humbling and I really appreciate it.”

Current head coach and general manager Dave MacQueen, says he considers Walters part of his family.

“When you spent more time for six or seven months with your coaches rather than your family, the coaches become part of your extended family. His passion for hockey is second to none and he bleeds black and gold.

“When I first came here I knew of Greg, but didn’t know a lot about him. But after our first meeting it was like I’d known him forever. The first thing that struck me was Greg’s loyalty. He has to be the most loyal person I’ve ever met in this business.”

He added, “it’s really too bad Greg is leaving this year when we are having just a tough year. I know it’s eating him up.”

MacQueen says Walters is the type of assistant coach most head coaches would love to have.

“I don’t think most fans realize how much Greg cares for other people. The players love him. As a head coach you need that go-between guy with the players. Greg can get upset with the best of him, but the players trust him. His passion for their well-being is second to none.”

MacQueen went on to say, “Wally never had a problem coming into my office to talk about our style of play or coming up with ideas to improve our team. Being close friends with Kris Draper of the Detroit Red Wings, it would be nothing for Greg to jump into his car, go to a Red Wings practice, talk to Draper or talk to their head coach Mike Babcock to get ideas to help make our players better.

“Again, I don’t think fans have a true appreciation of what Greg does behind the scenes. He’s in his office every day by 8:30 a.m. and usually stays to 6:30 p.m. He handles the education part of the players with Carolyn White; he arranges the billets, curfew and breaks down video. When you work long hours like he does, you want somebody you can trust. Greg also worked for the organization, not himself.”

MacQueen knows Walters is leaving the Sting for all the right reasons.

“Family is first and foremost and that’s the way it should be. The Sting wishes him nothing but the best. I would like to keep him involved with the Sting in some capacity. Possibly scouting or something like that. That’s how much I trust him.”

Walters said he had the benefit of playing under some great coaches that helped me be a coach.

“It started in junior hockey with Brian Kilrea in Ottawa. I played under guys like Marc Crawford, Bruce Boudreau, Ron Low and John Tortorella, who all ended up coaching in the NHL. My philosophy is to treat the players the way I would want to be treated and that’s with respect. I also preach a strong work ethic.”

He added, “it’s been a pleasure to coach with Mac (Dave MacQueen) for the past four years. I’ve learned a lot and we’ve become great friends.”

Walters says he plans to stay in coaching.

“I’ve been in contact with a couple of tier two junior teams in the Toronto area. I’ve been an assistant for eight years and I would like to get a team of my own. Being a head coach in Toronto certainly isn’t as much travel as the OHL.”

Walters says he has too many great memories of the Sting and Sarnia to single out one or two.

“Like I said earlier I wish we had more success as a team. But it’s all about the kids. I can’t thank the Ciccarelli family enough for all they have done for me. I will never forget it.”

One of the current Sting defenceman, Brent Sullivan says Walters is the heart and soul of the Sting organization in his opinion.

“He taught me how to play at this level. I knew how to play, but Wally taught me the right way. I know all the players love him. He’s not only a great coach, but a true friend.”

MacQueen says the Sting plan to honour Walters at their final home game on March 13th.