CJHL Coach of the Year is presented in conjunction with NHL Coaches’ Association
TORONTO – The Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), in conjunction with the National Hockey League Coaches’ Association (NHLCA), announced Wednesday that Brayden Klimosko of the Battlefords North Stars (SJHL) has been named the recipient of the Darcy Haugan/Mark Cross Memorial Award, emblematic of CJHL Coach of the Year, for the 2022-23 campaign.
Presented annually by the CJHL and NHLCA, this distinguished honour is in memory of Humboldt Broncos (SJHL) head coach Darcy Haugan and assistant Mark Cross, who were among those who sadly lost their lives following the tragic events of April 6, 2018.
The Battlefords bench boss garnered the accolades over fellow Coach of the Year finalists Kyle Makaric, Ottawa Jr. Senators (CCHL); Tyson Ramsey, Virden Oil Capitals (MJHL); Peter Goulet, Powassan Voodoos (NOJHL) and Vince Bellissimo, Toronto Jr. Canadiens (OJHL), following a voting process completed by each of the nine CJHL member leagues for their efforts during the course of the regular season.
“One of the main responsibilities of our Association is to support the development of the next generation of NHL coaches,” said Michael Hirshfeld, Executive Director of the NHLCA. “Coaches are important leaders within their communities, serving as role models at every level of the game. Alongside our members, we are committed to supporting them both on and off the ice.”
As the recipient of the award, Klimosko, and his club, will also receive the following:
• CAD $5,000 contribution to the Battlefords North Stars on behalf of the NHLCA
• CAD $5,000 worth of Bauer Hockey equipment, to the team
• He, along with one assistant coach, are invited as honourary guests of the NHLCA to attend the 2023 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic taking place on June 28 in Nashville, Tenn., prior to the NHL Draft™
• Klimosko’s Award will be formally presented in-person during the 2023 NHLCA’s Global Coaches’ Clinic on June 28
The 35-year-old Humboldt, Sask., product led his North Stars to a SJHL-best record of 48-5-2-1 on the year, helping them spend 15 weeks as the No. 1-ranked squad in the entire 118-team CJHL.
Their run saw them not suffer a defeat in regulation time, into the 2023-portion of the schedule.
His efforts also helped him be named the SJHL’s Coach of the Year for a third consecutive campaign.
“The hockey community extends beyond players and goalkeepers. It includes parents, trainers, officials and many others who help make our game exciting and teach life lessons through sports,” said Mary-Kay Messier, VP of Global Marketing, Bauer Hockey. “Coaches play such an important role in shaping tomorrow’s leaders and using hockey to build character on and off the ice. We are proud to work with the NHL Coaches’ Association and recognize the immense value coaches provide to our game.”
In his Jr. A playing days, Klimosko was a member of his hometown Humboldt Broncos national Jr. A championship team, back in 2008.
With files from Jeromy Corigan, Director of Media (SJHL)
Photo credit: Martin Martinson / battlefords NOW
ABOUT THE NHL COACHES‘ ASSOCIATION (NHLCA): The NHL Coaches’ Association is the professional organization that provides support and assistance to the head, associate, assistant, and specialty coaches of the 32 teams in the National Hockey League. Recognized and supported by the NHL, the NHLCA and its members seek to develop future coaches, give back to the hockey community, and grow the game of hockey globally. One of the Association’s primary objectives is to help develop all hockey coaches from the youth level up to the highest levels of hockey, as the NHLCA strongly believes that coaches are important leaders within their communities, serving as role models at every level of the game. Together, the NHLCA and their members are committed to supporting all coaches in their initiatives of guiding, motivating, and inspiring players of all ages.
