BROOKS, AB ? The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have announced Assistant Coach and Assistant General Manager Scott Cunningham has stepped away from junior hockey after more than 25 years of coaching.
?I can?t thank the Brooks Bandits and this community enough for all the support you have given my family and I the past six years,? said Cunningham.
?I?ve been very fortunate to be a part of so many great organizations over the years. Successful programs are built with a number of people involved and Brooks is no exception. From all of the coaches, front office staff members, Board of Directors, sponsors and of course an unbelievable fan base, each has made this a great experience for me. We all make sacrifices in our lives and in the coaching world, to be successful you have to sacrifice many things. I look forward to starting a new career and also being able to spend more time with my family.?
Cunningham has been with the Bandits since the 2014-15 season and over his six seasons has helped coach the Bandits to four South Division championships, including three AJHL championships in 2016, 2017 and 2019, a Western Canada Cup in 2017 and three appearances at the national championship tournament, winning in 2019 on home ice.
?After six seasons with Scott by my side, it will certainly be a transition next season,? said Bandits Head Coach and General Manager, Ryan Papaioannou.
?We worked well together developing our teams and pursuing championships for the community of Brooks. Scott is moving on to an opportunity that makes sense for his family and can?t be faulted for that. His role working with our players over the last six years was undoubtedly well done and we will miss his efforts on a daily basis. Every departure makes room for someone new to lend their talents to the organization and we are looking forward to a new coach taking on the challenge. As an organization we wish Scott the best and thank him for all his contributions.”
The Fort Saskatchewan, AB native joined the Bandits following eight seasons as head coach of the Helena Bighorns of the Northern Pacific Hockey League (NPHL), winning a USA Hockey National Championship in 2011.
?On behalf of our board, although we have separation between the hockey and business side of our organization, Scott?s quiet and sincere demeanour has been universally admired well beyond our staff and directors,? said Bandits President, Paul Seaton.
?He will always be remembered as a contributory factor in our successes and reputation. I personally shall miss his subtle humour and gentlemanly respectful nature.?
The Bandits would like to thank Cunningham for his contributions to the team and wish him the best in his future endeavours.