Brent Kisio is back working for the Lethbridge Hurricanes after he helped to lead Team Canada to a gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship, January 9, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Hurricanes coach returns to Lethbridge after winning gold at World Juniors

Jan 9, 2023 | 11:20 AM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes is back at home after his team hit the top of the podium at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Brent Kisio served as an assistant coach for Team Canada at the tournament in Halifax, Nova Scotia from December 26, 2022 to January 5, 2023.

He says getting to help lead Canada’s national junior hockey team to a gold medal was an amazing experience.

“It was an honour to coach for Team Canada and the way we ended up winning, it was pretty darn exciting,” says Kisio. “A lot of emotions and the place was rocking, a lot of credit to Halifax and Moncton for the tournament they put on and how much fun it was.”

Canada won the gold medal game 3-2 in overtime after Dylan Guenther scored the final goal over Czechia on Thursday, January 5.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

Kisio says there was a lot of talent across the board on Team Canada and many players that he believes will make a big impact in the world of hockey.

He mentioned Connor Bedard, in particular, as someone he thinks will have a bright future.

Bedard registered a total of 23 points (9g-14a) in seven games at this year’s World Junior event and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

Kisio says, “Seeing what [Bedard] can do on the ice and, obviously, the goals he scored and the numbers he put up and only being 17, you don’t see that very often. It was pretty special to see and I won’t forget being part of it. He’s a dynamic player, and as good as he is on the ice, he’s just as good of a person off the ice.”

Now back in Alberta, Kisio says there are things he can bring back to the Hurricanes following his time with the national team.

He recalled seeing the different ways in which the country’s top young skaters prepare for each game, adding that it has inspired him to approach certain aspects of coaching differently.

Kisio also highlighted the importance of managing stress during high-profile events.

“They look like men and they are men, but they’re also 17-to-19-year-olds that have a whole country that’s relying on them to go make them proud and it’s not always easy,” says Kisio. “I think you could see, sometimes in games for us, the crowd was rocking but our guys were a little nervous. I thought we had a good start against Sweden, but otherwise, a bit of nerves would kick in because they are kids still and they are still learning about that.”

Kisio has a busy week ahead for him, leading the Lethbridge Hurricanes in three home games.

The first will see the Canes welcome the Swift Current Broncos to the ENMAX Centre on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

That will be followed by a home game on Friday, January 13 against Prince George and a clash with Red Deer on Saturday, January 14.

The IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship gold medal, worn by assistant coach Brent Kisio, January 9, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Guenther scores in OT, Canada beats Czechia for 20th world junior gold