WATCH: The Lethbridge Hurricanes have named Brent Kisio as the 14th Head Coach in franchise history on Thursday. Paul Kingsmith caught up the new bench boss.
LETHBRIDGE – The Lethbridge Hurricanes didn’t have to look far to find their new head coach. Heading just two hours north to pluck Brent Kisio from the Calgary Hitmen organization.
Kisio becomes the 14th head coach in Hurricanes history.
“It’s a big move. No matter when you move as a head coach you want to make sure it’s the right fit,” said Kisio. “We talked to a lot of people, and then just talking to (Hurricanes general manager Peter Anholt), he was a good salesman and made it very easy to come here.”
Kisio is only 32-years-old, but already has a wealth of experience. He spent eight seasons with the Hitmen, most recently as an associate coach and assistant general manager. He was part of the Hitmen’s 2009-10 WHL championship, and worked alongside noted WHL coaches Dave Lowry, Mike Williamson and Mark French. Plus, his father is former NHL’er and long time WHL coach and executive Kelly Kisio, giving Brent a wide variety of mentors.
“A lot of these ideas, they might seem like great ideas, they’re probably not mine,” said Kisio. “Maybe partially mine, but not all mine, and that’s the benefit of working for those coaches. You put your time in, you learn from those guys, so when you get your opportunity hopefully you’re ready for it.”
Anholt believes Kisio is ready.
“He had a nice combination of experience and youthfulness that was important. He’s coming from a successful organization.”
The naming of a new head coach was just part of an exciting afternoon news conference for the Hurricanes, attended by more more than two dozen fans. The team brought in a number of prospects and formally announced the signing of three high-end draft picks, including 2014 second overall selection Jordy Bellerive.
Turmoil on and off the ice around the Hurricanes organization caused Bellerive to delay his signing, weighing his options as to whether or not the team would be the right fit. But he was won over by the work of Anholt and the hiring of Kisio.
“When he told me he was hiring Brent, I did some research and I was really interested in the opportunity,” said the 16-year-old Bellerive. “Young guys, young team, going to build into the future and I was really interested to be a part of that.”
Bellerive is expected to step right in next season as a potential impact player for the ‘Canes. But fans will have to wait another year to get a full-time glimpse at Calen Addison, the second overall pick in last month’s bantam draft. He has already signed with the team and is excited to be a part of the program.
“Joining into this organization, hopefully making a positive impact is something I’ve always wanted to do,” said the 15-year-old Addison. “Just to come to Lethbridge, it’s a great city, great organization.”
Despite six straight seasons out of the playoffs, fans and players alike are hopeful there are signs of better days ahead. The excitement was visible, as 20 current and future players gave up a part of their summer to be a part of a historic day.
“Everyone’s excited,” said Tyler Wong, the longest-serving current Hurricane who drove in from Cochrane. “Everyone’s talking about ‘can’t wait for September, can’t come soon enough.'”
It’s an environment fostered by Anholt, and believed by the rest of the team.
“I think you see by the turnout today with some of the players here,” said Kisio.
“He’s got a lot of people excited, myself included.”
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