A long-time Kamloops Blazer won’t be suiting up for the team this season, but that doesn’t mean he’s going anywhere.
GM Matt Bardsley announced today that 20-year-old forward Brodi Stuart, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in January, will stay with the club as an assistant coach this season.
“Brodi has been a Blazer since he was drafted and has been an integral part of our team in all areas,” said Bardsley.
“We felt this was a positive way that he could continue with us and assist our coaching staff. We are fortunate to have a strong group of 20 year old players in Orrin, Montana and Sean.”
Bardsley is referring to the team’s three overagers, Orrin Centazzo, Montana Onyebuchi and Sean Strange.
The Canadian Hockey League has a limit of three overage players per team.
Brodi Stuart will remain with us this season on the coaching staff following an injury that will keep him off the ice. Our three 20 year-olds will be @MontanaOny2, @SeanStrange44 & @CentazzoOrrin
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 24, 2021
READ: 📝 https://t.co/5ESw2pZJpp pic.twitter.com/nwx4g1Z2Xv
Stuart was selected by Kamloops in the fourth round of the 2015 WHL bantam draft and played four seasons with the club, posting 115 points in 204 games.
He’s served as an alternate captain over the last two seasons, and even though he’s disappointed to not be playing this season, he’s looking forward to his new role.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Blazers and wish I could play my final season of junior hockey,” he said.
“I’m excited and grateful to have the opportunity to stay on this season in an assistant coach role.”
The BC Division still hasn’t received approval from the public health officer to return to play, but it’s expected that more news on that will come in the next week.
All three of the WHL’s other divisions have been granted approval by the appropriate health authorities and the Alberta Division will be the first to get back on the ice on Friday.
