Hitmen sign ex-Yorkton GM as assistant coach

The Hitmen got their man. And not a moment too soon. With the WHL regular season set to open in just over two weeks, the Hitmen filled out their coaching staff on Tuesday, naming Trent Cassan as an assistant coach.

Cassan, who spent the past six seasons with the SJHL’s Yorkton Terriers, joins head coach Mark French, assistant Joel Otto and new goaltending coach Jason LaBarbera on the Hitmen staff.

Hitmen GM Mike Moore has been on the hunt for a new assistant coach since early August when Trent Whitfield left the team after one season to become an associate coach with the AHL’s Providence Bruins.

“(Cassan) brings with him tremendous experience and knowledge in the development process of junior hockey players,” Moore said.

“He is a proven winner in the SJHL and we are excited to bring his championship pedigree to the Hitmen.

“He will be a terrific complement to Mark French and our coaching staff.”

The 33-year-old served as GM/ head coach (2014-16) and associate GM/head coach (’10-14) after taking over the Terriers bench midway through the ’09-10 campaign.

Cassan had a record of 177-12317-24 over that span and advanced to the playoffs in all seven seasons, including four league final berths.

He also led the Terriers, a team he played for (’01-04) to the RBC Cup as Canada’s National Junior A champions in ’14 along with two Canalta Cups (’13 and ’14).

“I am very grateful and excited for the opportunity to join the Calgary Hitmen organization,” Cassan said. “The chance to be able to work with such an experienced, well-respected hockey staff is something I am really looking forward to.”

Cassan, who has made two appearances at the World Junior A Challenge as both an assistant coach (’13) and head coach (’14) with Team Canada West, was the co-recipient of the SJHL’s Coach of the Year award in ’12-13.

The Medora, Man., product is a

He is a proven winner in the SJHL and we are excited to bring his championship pedigree to the Hitmen.

graduate of the NCAA’s Division III SUNY Geneseo Knights (’04-08). His collegiate career was highlighted by back-to-back State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) championship titles.

Prior to joining the Knights, Cassan spent three seasons with the Terriers and was named the club’s playoff MVP in ’03 and ’04.