Wray Morrison

By Wray Morrison

Brandin Cote takes the reins

Huskie men’s hockey team looks ahead after challenging 2021-22 season

Sep 14, 2022 | 3:49 PM

In some ways the 2022-2023 will feel a little different than last season for the Huskie men’s hockey team. However, there will also be a familiarity. With Mike Babcock deciding not to return to the program, Brandin Cote moves from associate coach to interim head coach.

Not having a high profile coach such as Mike Babcock around may be noticeable to fans and perhaps to some around the program, but Cote is confident that his new role will be manageable. “There is a couple of added layers of responsibility”, Cote said. “It’s nothing I’m uncomfortable with. It’s just delegating some responsibilities that I’ve had in the past to other people.”

The Huskies finished the 2021-22 season with a 13 and 7 record (4^th place in the Canada West standings) and were eliminated by the Calgary Dinos in a best of three, first round playoff series. The Huskies have had time to reflect on why the team only won one playoff game. “When we look back at it, there were times we outplayed the Dinos”, said Cote. “We didn’t execute at the right times.”

Fourth year defenceman Connor Hobbs agrees. “We finished with a winning record, but we didn’t beat any of the strong teams.” Hobbs is one of the veteran defensive players that the Huskies will be looking to for a stronger showing this season. Evan Fiala is another. Fiala, from Clavet, is entering his fourth season of eligibility and has big body presence in the back end.

Hobbs is looking forward to being part of the defensive unit with Fiala this season. “He’s bound to have a great season”, Hobbs said of Fiala. “He is such an important part of our team both on and off the ice. He’s just solid. He’s got defense on his mind and he’s good at it.”

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Hobbs’ younger brother Declan is back with the team this season. Declan Hobbs, a goaltender, spent time with the WHL’s Kootenay Ice and the Nipawin Hawks of the SJHL. The Hobbs family has a long history with University of Saskatchewan athletics. Father, Calvin, played for and served as an assistant coach with the Huskie football team. Jackie, Connor and Declan’s mother, played Huskie volleyball. “We had Huskie stuff all through the house growing up”, Connor said. “We are very proud to follow in their footsteps.”

The best defense can be a good offense. Cote is looking forward to seeing some fast centres develop this season. Edmonton product Liam Keeler joins the Huskies after spending five years in the Western Hockey League. Cael Zimmerman also joins the University of Saskatchewan after five seasons with the Calgary Hitmen. “I think we have more of an element of speed through the middle. That will be really important for us,” said Cote.

The Huskies have two exhibition games against the Alberta Golden Bears this weekend at Merlis Belsher Place. (Friday night at 7pm. Saturday afternoon at 4pm.) The Huskies open the Canada West regular season at home on Friday, September 30^th against Trinity Western University.

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wray.morrison@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @wraymorrison