Wheat Kings hire new Assistant Coach

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Photo by Jeremy Champagne (Scramble Studio)

The Brandon Wheat Kings are excited to announce that the team has hired Del Pedrick as Assistant Coach.

Pedrick will be tasked with assisting the coaching staff with day-to-day operations.

“I think he’s a great addition to our team” said Head Coach Don MacGillivray. “Del brings a lot of different characteristics that we were looking for, he’s got a lot of experience and coached at a high level across different age groups and has had a lot of success“

Pedrick, from Melita Manitoba, has spent the last two seasons as Head Coach of the Notre Dame Hounds U18AAA team, although local fans may remember his coaching time in Manitoba. Pedrick was the Head Coach of the MJHL’s Waywayseecappo Wolverines from 2000-2002 before moving on to the Swan Valley Stampeders from 2002-2006. Before his MJHL days, Del was the Head Coach of the Southwest Cougars U-18 AAA from 1995-2000.

“I’m really excited to be a part of a storied organization like the Brandon Wheat Kings“ said Pedrick. “Growing up in the area and following them my whole life, I appreciate what’s been extended towards me from Jared, Don and the coaching staff.”

Del’s return to Westman creates an emotional spark. “Means the world to come home, I’ve taught for almost 10 years in the Brandon School Division and my hometown is an hour and half southwest; we are looking forward to it.”

Over his career, Pedrick was a MJHL coach of the year finalist 3 times, coached in the Under-16 Challenge Cup in 2012 and 2013 and coached in the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2004 and 2006. More recently, Del led his Notre Dame Hounds team in 2021-22 to a SMAAAHL U-18 league championship.

“I’ve known him for a long time, he’s excited about the opportunity, and we are excited to have him.” Said MacGillivray

Pedrick is equally as excited about the roster he gets to work with. “I respect the job the scouting staff has done; it’s been built by quality people who work hard and that’s what excites me. It’s a deep lineup and I’m excited to help them reach their goals.”

The addition of Pedrick continues to help round out the Wheat Kings hockey operations staff for the 2022-2023 season. Meanwhile in other hockey operations news, former BWK Assistant Coach Dan Johnston recently accepted a job with the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers.

Owner/Governor – Jared Jacobson
Director of Hockey Operations – Chris Moulton
Head Coach – Don MacGillivray
Assistant Coach – Mark Derlago
Assistant Coach – Del Pedrick
Goaltending Coach – Tyler Plante
Athletic Therapist – Zack Hartwick
Equipment Manager – Scott Hlady
Assistant Equipment Manager – Jody Norminton
Dressing Room Assistants – Rob Pope, Aiden Pope, Jason Norminton, Sawyer Wallin

The Wheat Kings will officially open training camp on Wednesday, August 31st.

Full training camp details, including schedule, rosters and fan participation will be released later this week.

(Wheat Kings Release)