(Submitted photo/Jon Barkman)

By Ben Tompkins

Men's Hockey Assistant Coach

Huskies hire former Dog as new Director of Player & Grassroots Development

Aug 24, 2023 | 5:26 PM

The University of Saskatchewan Huskies have hired a new Director of Player and Grassroots Development.

The men’s hockey team announced that former Huskie, Jon Barkman, will fill that role and the Head Assistant Coach position.

“We’re excited to have Jon join our program. His experience in leading grassroots hockey and skill development programs around Saskatoon will strengthen our commitment to expand these initiatives,” said the Huskies organization in a press release.

“Jon’s background as a player and coach, along with his passion for our program and understanding of what it means to be a Huskie, will be a great asset to our group.”

Barkman, originally from Steinbach, Man., played in the WHL for four seasons with the Saskatoon Blades and the Prince George Cougars.

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He’s also an alumnus of the U of S, having spent five seasons with the Huskies from 2000 to 2005.

“This really feels like a homecoming for me, I had five years here and they were probably the best years in sports that I have had. I’m a loyal Dog and I love wearing the jersey and coming back, it’s been an incredible feeling just to have an opportunity again to be part of the program,” Barkman told HuskieFAN.

“Obviously, very grateful to Brandin (Cote) for giving me the chance as a young coach just to get my foot in the door, and I got a lot of learning to do, but I’m excited to take on the challenge.”

During his time on the team, Barkman became one of the top offensive players in Huskie history, scoring 70 goals (5th all-time) and 121 points (18th all-time).

He and his wife Rebecca have four children who were born and raised in Saskatoon.

“I followed the same path as a lot of the guys in the room playing right now, and I think that I’ll be able to convey that and relate to them and what they’re going through right now. I also had some pretty good success as a Huskie individually and I’m hoping I can lead some of that success as well,” Barkman added.

“So far I’ve gotten to know quite a few of the guys and they’re all very receptive and open to learning and I think we’ve got something brewing here that’s going to be pretty special. I’m just really excited to get started and I’m hoping to put up another banner in the rafters.”

The Huskie men’s hockey season will start the 2023-24 season with pre-season exhibition games against the Regina Cougars, Calgary Dinos, and Alberta Golden Bears, before starting the Canada West season on the road against the Manitoba Bisons on Sept. 28 and 29.

~With files from Huskie Athletics

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Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8