The Nanaimo Buccaneers have brought back original coach Brad Knight. The new bench boss is trying to install his vision for the team while navigating COVID-19. (Nanaimo Buccaneers)

By Dan Marshall

Bucs New Boss

New Bucs coach wants local flavour for Jr. B hockey team

May 28, 2020 | 7:24 PM

NANAIMO — The man chosen to take the reigns behind the Nanaimo Buccaneers bench is no stranger to the program.

Brad Knight was the Bucs first ever coach in 2012-13 and he made his return at the beginning of May.

He will continue to serve as the president of Nanaimo Minor Hockey and while making his return to coaching.

Knight had an opportunity in the BCMML with the North Island Silvertips but opted for a return to coaching in the VIJHL instead.

He said he much prefers the easier travel schedule the Buccaneers have and it affords him the opportunity to spend more time with his family,

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The new bench boss is preaching a player centred message as he works to implement his hockey philosophy.

“I’ve always been a development guy. I traditionally like to load up on 17 and 18 year olds and I like to have a couple of 16 year olds on my roster. I’d like to help kids move on (in their hockey careers) and I’d like to be local.”

When he began working for original Buccaneers owners Phil and Brendan Levesque, Knight said the goal was a team that was 75 per cent local.

He’d like to see a return to that concept with the current squad.

Starting later in the offseason has provided him with some challenges, but Knight admitted the biggest obstacles to overcome were related to COVID-19.

“You’re recruiting against other teams and you don’t have the ability to get a player in front of you and work him out for three or four days.”

The unknown of what COVID restrictions will be week to week or month to month is going to be a hurdle for all junior hockey programs..

That’s where Knight believes having a mostly local team will be an advantage.

The logistics around searching for and and bringing in players from farther away will be somewhat mitigated.

This offseason specifically there are as many questions as answers.

“When do we start, when does camp start, what part of the season are kids supposed to peak to. But this will make us stronger not weaker.”

dan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On twitter: @danmarshall77