Former Swift Current Broncos captain Dustin Friesen recently joined the PHA as the U17 team’s head coach as well as their program-wide director of strength and conditioning.
And you better believe he brings all sorts of experience to the position.
The Waldheim product joined the Broncos for the 2000-01 campaign and played four seasons in the WHL, with his steady defensive play and leadership seeing him serve as the team’s assistant captain in 2002-03 and team captain in 2003-04.
Friesen put his WHL scholarship money to good use the following season, joining the University of New Brunswick where he would play all five years of his eligibility, serving as the team’s captain the final three years – a run that saw UNB win the USports national title in 2007 and 2009.
When he wasn’t winning on the ice, Friesen was busy in the classroom and would leave Moncton as a double-degree graduate with a Bachelors in Education as well as Recreation and Sports Studies.
“Dustin understands what it means to be a student-athlete,” said PHA president Justin Simpkins, referring to a core attribute for students who attend the Caronport-based academy. “He has an incredible passion for young student athletes and helps them develop in the classroom, as individuals, on the ice and off ice. This will be evident in his character, work ethic and preparation.”
Dustin Friesen in action with ERC Ingolstadt this past season. (Johannes Traub / JT-Presse.de)Friesen also brings a wealth of professional experience to the PHA.
He played three seasons in the American Hockey League and ECHL before moving on to the German Elite League and playing eight seasons, the final six with ERC Ingolstadt, where his leadership was once again on display – this time as the team captain for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons.
Friesen’s strength and conditioning role comes out of many off-seasons training amateurs and professionals alike, while also working as a skills and power skating coach for junior and youth programs during his time in Germany.
“I look forward to having Dustin join our management team at PHA and helping us continue to improve our programming for student athletes,” Simpkins said. “Dustin and his wife Katherine, along with their three daughters will be a great addition to PHA and the town of Caronport.”
For more on the Prairie Hockey Academy, be sure to check out their website, and check MooseJawToday.com on Saturday for a look at their upcoming season!
