Bucks introduce Ryan Carlson as new U18 Kootenay Hockey Academy coach

The Cranbrook Bucks are rolling out the welcome mat for the new head coach of the club’s hockey academy.

The Bucks have hired Ryan Carlson to coach the U18 Kootenay Hockey Academy squad, they will begin play in the Junior Prospects Hockey League next season.

Bucks owner Nathan Lieuwen says this is a big step forward for local development and getting the Bucks more invested in the community.

The JPHL includes teams from BC and Alberta.

Find more information from the Cranbrook Bucks below:

The JPHL (Junior Prospects Hockey League) and the Cranbrook Bucks Hockey Club are excited to announce that a JPHL HUB is coming to Cranbrook. Beginning this September, the Cranbrook Bucks Hockey Club will operate a U18 team in the form of the Kootenay Hockey Academy.

“This is a big step forward in terms of local development and getting the Cranbrook Bucks more invested in our community. The Kootenay Hockey Academy can offer athletes a clear path to junior hockey right in our backyard.” Said Cranbrook Bucks Owner and President Nathan Lieuwen. “The JPHL has proven itself to be a well-operated league that offers a strong showcase schedule and exposure for players. With the many resources at our disposal, we can offer a very competitive program.”

“Celebrating the expansion of our league, we are thrilled to welcome the Kootenay Hockey Academy to the Junior Prospects Hockey League for the 2023/24 season.” Added JPHL Commissioner Richard Nault. “The addition of Kootenay Hockey Academy will bring a new level of talent and competition to our league from the Cranbrook area, and we are excited to see what they will bring to the ice. We look forward to working with the Kootenay Hockey Academy and their exceptional coaching staff to provide a platform for student-athletes to showcase their skills and continue their development path into junior hockey.”

Ryan Carlson Named U-18 Academy Head Coach

In a corresponding move, the Cranbrook Bucks have hired Ryan Carlson as the Head Coach of the Kootenay Hockey Academy. Carlson spent last season as an assistant coach of the Winnipeg Freeze of the MJHL and was also a lead instructor for Jets Hockey Development. The Hermantown, Minnesota native playing career includes time in the ECHL with Norfolk and Reading, USports at the Univ. of Manitoba, NCAA at Univ. of Wisconsin-Superior and Junior A Hockey in Steinbach, Manitoba.

“I am extremely excited about coaching at the Kootenay Hockey Academy in the JPHL.” Said, Ryan Carlson. “Starting this academy is only going to bring good things to the players and community of the Kootenay area.”

Any players interested in learning more about the program can reach out to academy@cranbrookbucks.ca .

– Article includes statement from Cranbrook Bucks