Devost head coach of SAIT men’s hockey program
New bench boss brings wealth of hockey and education experience to college
Experience at all levels of hockey, as well as in education, has led to Brent Devost being tabbed as the new head coach of the SAIT Trojans men’s hockey team.
The longtime hockey man, with involvement in all levels ranging from grassroots to the NHL, will be tasked with carrying on what has been a storied and successful program within the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
“Obviously, I’m humbled and honoured to assume the position,” Devost said. “I know the tradition at SAIT and what has been built here by past players and coaches. It’s pretty special, and I’m super excited about the challenge.”
He won’t have to wait long before wearing Trojans colours, as the program will host an open house May 11-12 for anyone looking to become a student-athlete at SAIT. Devost will be among the multiple head coaches at SAIT who will be involved throughout the weekend. After that, it’s all business. “No. 1 will be to reach out to all the returning players and introduce myself, as well as find out where we’re at with recruiting,” Devost said. “I will work with the administration to see what their expectations are and reach out to stakeholders and active members of our alumni to continue those relationships. Quite frankly, we’re set up where I think we can set really high goals right away.”
As passionate as Devost is about hockey, he also places a lot of importance on academics. In 1999, he founded the prestigious Calgarybased Edge School — a private school that combines athletics with a strong emphasis on academics. What started with just seven students grew to 320 in a decade.
“Having played at this level, I have an understanding of what
these guys go through,” Devost said. “And having built an organization in the Edge School that focused on education, athletics and character, the whole aspect of enhancing the lives of studentathletes has always been very appealing to me.”
Devost holds the position of head of school at North Point School for Boys in Calgary.
“Brent’s history of coupling academics and athletics set him apart, as we at SAIT pride ourselves in not only winning championships but creating job-ready graduates,” said Wade Kolmel, SAIT’s athletics and recreation director. “He is a builder, and we look forward to having him help us build a successful and sustainable, hockey program.”
His experience in the ACAC came in the late ’80s and early ’90s when he played for the Red Deer College Kings.
Two of his four seasons at Red Deer College saw him play under Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, who he is proud to still call a friend.
Following his playing days, Devost served as a scout and training camp instructor for the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL and training camp coach for the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens.
At the U Sports level, he spent a year serving as an assistant coach/ recruiting director for the McGill University Redmen. Locally, he has coached at all levels of minor hockey — winning the Mac’s Major Midget Tournament with the Calgary Royals in 1994.
The Trojans open their season Oct. 5-6 on the road against the host Portage College Voyageurs.