Kisio Leaves Hurricanes, Accepts Pro Job
Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club announced Thursday that Brent Kisio has resigned as head coach of the hockey club after accepting a professional coaching position.
Kisio, 40, was originally hired by the Hurricanes on June 4, 2015 when he joined the ‘Canes from the Calgary Hitmen. The Calgary, AB, product is the longest tenured coach in Hurricanes history having spent eight years with the organization posting a record of 267-176-44 in 484 regular season games coached. Kisio ranks first in games coached while also first in victories in ‘Canes history being the only coach to reach the 200-win plateau.
“We are so happy for Brent, Abby and the kids. We have been fortunate to have the Kisio family apart of the Hurricanes for eight years and we are very proud to announce that Brent is moving on to coach pro; just like we want for all of our players and staff to be able to do,” said Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt. “Brent is leaving here as one of the greatest coaches to have been in Lethbridge. And a shoo-in for our Wall of Honour one day.
The consistency of our team, how we played and how hard we played every night was incredible to watch and be a part of. There was never a night that I didn’t think our team wasn’t prepared to play. Regardless of the lineup or the opposition, we always felt we had a chance to win and that is a reflection on Brent.”
The Hurricanes qualified for the WHL Playoffs in every season under the guidance of Kisio while he led the ‘Canes to back-to-back conference championship appearances in 2017 and 2018. He coached an additional 59 playoff games posting a record of 23-36 in seven post-season berths. Kisio was named the WHL Eastern Conference Coach of the Year during his first season with the ‘Canes in 2015-2016.
During his time with the Hurricanes, Kisio also served internationally for Canada at various tournaments including the U17, U18 and U20 levels. He captured a gold medal as the head coach of the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament. Kisio also served twice as an assistant coach for the National Junior Team in 2019 and 2023, highlighted by capturing a gold medal in Halifax earlier this year.
“I’m very excited to be able to make the jump to professional hockey and very fortunate for the opportunity,” said Kisio. “Being here for eight years, Lethbridge has become home for my family. From the friends we have made to the support we have received; we feel very luck and appreciative for everything Lethbridge has offered.
In Lethbridge, you’re surrounded by great people. Peter Anholt took a chance on me, and I can never say thank you enough for him doing so. Pete’s experience and guidance has helped me grow as a coach and I can’t express my gratitude for what he has done for me and my family. I was also very fortunate to be surrounded by great assistant coaches in Matt Anholt, Ryan Aasman and Kevin Swanson and support staff like Trevor Hardy, Marty Palechuk and Rhett White, as well as the business staff lead by Terry Huisman, who put in endless hours to make this a great organization from top to bottom. And I can’t thank the fans enough for their support every year who makes playing, and coaching, at the ENMAX Centre a thrill every night.”
Kisio has helped develop players for the next level with over 35 players during his tenure go on to play professionally, highlighted by Dylan Cozens, Calen Addison, Stuart Skinner, Brennan Menell and Jake Leschyshyn who have all gone on to play in the National Hockey League while Jake Elmer and Brad Morrison also signing NHL contracts. Additionally, a total of seven players in his time have been drafted by NHL teams, most recently Noah Chadwick this past June.
“Brent is the first Hurricanes head coach to leave the Hurricanes and go directly to pro and that makes us all very proud. We wish Brent and his family nothing but the best moving forward,” added Anholt.
“My family and I will also remember my time in Lethbridge fondly and I hope that I’m remembered as a coach who left the jersey in a better place,” Kisio added.
The Hurricanes thank Brent Kisio on his eight years with the club and wish him all the best moving forward in his next venture in professional hockey.
The ‘Canes will announce a new head coach at a later date.
The Hurricanes will open the 2023 ENMAX Training Camp on Thursday, August 31st before opening the ENMAX Pre-Season on Tuesday, September 5th. The ‘Canes will begin 2023-2024 regular season with the Dairy Queen Home Opener on Friday, September 22nd when they welcome the Swift Current Broncos at the ENMAX Centre. Season Tickets and Sponsorship opportunities for the 2023-2024 campaign are available for purchase by calling 403-328-1986 or online at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com.
