BROOKS, AB (July 20, 2023) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have named former player Dakota Mason as the team’s new Assistant Coach.
Mason played two seasons (2011-13) in Brooks, winning two AJHL Championships and the team’s first National Championship, the 2013 RBC Cup in Summerside, PEI.
“I’m very excited to be joining such a great and well-respected organization and have the chance to learn from one of the best coaches in all of junior hockey,” said Mason.
“With my two years of playing experience in Brooks, my wife and I are very familiar with the city and organization. We are extremely excited to get there and integrate our two children into the community. I want to thank the Swan Valley Stampeders organization for everything they have done for us over this past season.”
Following his Bandits career, Mason played for SUNY-Plattsburgh in New York state. Following his playing career, Mason was named an Associate Coach with the Princeton Posse of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. In 2022, he was hired as an Assistant Coach with the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL).
“Dakota played for the organization 10 years ago and was a phenomenal talent on the ice. Fast forward and he had 2 years of junior hockey coaching experience under his belt and has a passion for all things related to development,” said Papaioannou.
“Going through the interview process with him it was evident his work ethic would fit the culture of our program. We have responsibility to our players and their families to aid in the development every day. Dakota will play a key part in the success of our forward group next season. With our upcoming trip to Sweden his hiring comes at a crucial time. We are excited to welcome Dakota, his Wife Bay, daughter Ella-Rose and son Bo back to Brooks!”
The Bandits are participating in the U20 Super Challenge in Karlstad, Sweden from August 15th to 20th. Training Camp will begin on August 26th, with the Exhibition Season opening on September 5th at the Centennial Regional Arena vs Okotoks.
2023-24 Season Tickets are on sale, call 403-501-0122 for more information.