The Lloydminster Bobcats have hired Brady Bakke as the newest assistant coach behind the bench. The organization announced earlier this week that Bakke will join returning assistant coach Kris Wiebe behind Head Coach Nigel Dube.
Bakke is familiar with the grind the AJHL has to offer, playing for the Bonnyville Pontiacs for three seasons then moved to college hockey playing for Concordia University before entering the coaching world.
“It sucks being away from home, for the first time for most of them,” He says, even with the age gap, he will be able to relate with the players based on his previous AJHL experience. “You’ve gotta become a tight-knit team and areas like that [will help create a bond and help the players] be the best possible versions of themselves out there.”
Bakke says he learned a lot during the two years he coached under Head Coach Jack Redlick in the Alberta Midget Hockey League for the St.Albert Raiders.
“[I learned certain nuances of the game] that you don’t see in the player behind the game. Sitting in the office studying tape, things like that. So, that side of the game I will definitely be bringing to the Bobcats.”
“We’re going to have years with him being a part of the organization and he’s a nerd of the game which I respect,” says Head Coach Nigel Dube who believes Bakk’se mind for the game will become a valuable piece in setting up the organization for the future.
“We’re excited to have the smarts and knowledge and his coaching philosophy, that matches ours, to bring to the organization.”
The organization has been busy this summer with new staff and player acquisitions along with a new performance centre for the players and recent dressing room renovations. Bakke will make his way to the Border City this summer ahead of training camp in late August.