The rumours are true…Brandin Cote will be the eventual head coach of the U of S men’s hockey program…hired Monday as an associate coach with the Dogs under Mike Babcock.
When he was hired as a volunteer head coach of the Huskies back in February, Babcock said he would be at the helm of the U of S program for two seasons before turning it over to a hand-picked successor who would be with him for the two years in the newly-created position of associate coach. Cote is currently an assistant coach with the W-H-L’s Swift Current Broncos and played for three seasons under Babcock with Spokane of the W-H-L between 1997 and 2000. Word of Cote’s hiring had been on social media Sunday. Following is the official news release from Huskie Athletics…
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2021
Cote joins Huskie men’s hockey as associate coach
Huskie Athletics
SASKATOON – The University of Saskatchewan Huskies men’s hockey program added another new face behind the bench April 26, as Huskie Athletics Chief Athletics Officer Dave Hardy announced Brandin Cote as associate coach.
Joining the Huskies from the Swift Current Broncos, Cote is a Swift Current local that has been an assistant coach with the Western Hockey League (WHL) club since the Summer of 2018.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join an institution as prestigious as the University of Saskatchewan,” said Cote, a holder of one year of experience in Prince Albert as an assistant coach with the Raiders. “This is a team that has a proud tradition of excellence and I can’t wait to get started.”
The appointment sees Cote become the first full-time associate coach in program history, as the former professional hockey player steps into the newly-created position alongside head coach Mike Babcock.
Member of the selection committee and former Huskie head coach Dave King is excited at the prospect of Cote joining the Huskies.
“There is no doubt in my mind that Brandin brings a unique combination of experience and expertise to the program,” said King, who went on to coach in the NHL and at multiple Olympic games after leaving the Huskies. “This is an exciting time for Huskie hockey and Brandin is poised to help lead the team for years to come.”
Alongside his time spent as a coach in the WHL, Cote has been involved with Hockey Canada and Hockey Alberta as head and assistant coach at various tournaments and also brings previous collegiate experience from his time with the Red Deer College Kings.
“I am a Saskatchewan guy through and through, so the chance to coach student-athletes in my home province is one that I leapt at,” said Cote, who holds a Bachelor’s of Education degree. “I look forward to moving my family to Saskatoon and engaging with the student-athletes, alumni and fans of a program that has such an outstanding record of success both on and off the ice.”
A standout on the ice prior to becoming a coach, Cote enjoyed a professional career that spanned eight seasons, playing in the American Hockey League, East Coast Hockey League as well as leagues in Germany, Italy and England. Playing his junior hockey with the Spokane Chiefs in the Western Hockey League, Cote captained the team from 2000 to 2002.
“Brandin is a great addition to the coaching staff and I am pleased that he will be joining the team,” said Babcock, head coach of the Chiefs from 1994-2000. “I look forward to working with Brandin and helping him along what is an extremely promising career path.”
Cote will remain with the Broncos for the remainder of their season before officially joining the Huskies on July 1. He will be joined in Saskatoon by his wife Jennifer as well as sons Zachary (9) and Carter (7).
