Spruce Kings hire new Associate Coach

PRINCE GEORGE ⁠— The Prince George Spruce Kings are excited to announce the hiring of Brad Tesink as the team’s new Associate Coach.

“I want to thank Mike Hawes and Alex Evin for the exciting opportunity to join the Spruce Kings,” said Tesink. “The chance to join such an established community-based program was an easy decision.”

Tesink comes to Prince George after spending time as a head coach in the Maritime Junior Hockey League with the South Shore Lumberjacks.

Hailing from Saint John, New Brunswick, Tesink began his coaching career in 2016 serving as the assistant coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs U15 AAA. He later became the head coach of the team the following season.

“After a thorough and lengthy search, we are thrilled to announce the hiring of Brad Tesink as our new Associate Coach,” states Spruce Kings General Manager Mike Hawes.

“Brad is a young progressive coach with a similar approach to coaching that Alex (Evin) and the rest of our coaches have. He played the game at a high level and has some valuable coaching experience as well. He comes highly recommended after we went through the due diligence process. He will bring a lot to the table and I look forward to watching him assist our players with their development and helping the Spruce Kings organization have success on and off the ice.”

During his playing career, Tesink played four seasons of major junior hockey. Playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, he spent time with the Gatineau Olympiques, Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles.

In 2010, Tesink won the Maritime Junior Hockey League championship with the Woodstock Slammers.

“I am committed to helping build a successful culture on and off the ice with the players and staff in Prince George,” said Tesink.

The Spruce Kings will be on the road for their next couple of games beginning with Friday, Nov. 4 against the Penticton Vees at the South Okanagan Event Centre at 7:00 PM.