Cranbrook Adds Kelvin Cech To Coaching Staff

Photo Credit Cranbrook Bucks

Given the ongoing changes in the hockey circles with leagues pulling out of Hockey Canada and players unsure where to play next season there is one guarantee for the Cranbrook Bucks and the Kootenay Hockey Academy as they have added Kelvin Cech in a dual role as the U18 Academy Head Coach and a Bucks assistant coach.

We recently received the following and wanted to pass it on to keep you informed.

Enjoy the read and thanks to the Cranbucks for the press release

Cech spent four years in the MJHL splitting time between the Winkler Flyers as head coach and the Niverville Nighthawks as the team’s first head coach and General Manager. 

Cech was MJHL coach of the year in 2019-2020 and was also an assistant coach for the World Junior “A” Challenge this past season. 

The Edmonton, AB native has also spent one season with the CSSHL West Van Warriors U18 Prep team, three years as an assistant coach in USports with the UBC Thunderbirds, and four years with the Vancouver NW Giants U18 AAA team of the BCEHL.

“We are excited to have Kelvin joining our program,” said President Nathan Lieuwen. “Kelvin is a very accomplished coach who shares many of our value here in Cranbrook. Our academy team is very lucky to have him, and he will bring some great experience to the Bucks as well.”

“I am thrilled to join the culture created and maintained by Ryan Donald, Nathan and the entire Bucks organization,” said Kelvin.

He continued “The opportunity to work with the players returning to KHA and the new ones coming in is the perfect fit for me on a personal and professional level. Hockey in the mountains is on the rise and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute.”

The Cranbrook Bucks operate the Kootenay Hockey Academy which plays in the Junior Prospects Hockey League. KHA currently operates one team at the U18 level where Kelvin will coach.

Last season, multiple players from KHA U18 affiliated and played games with the Cranbrook Bucks.

Players interested in the program can email academy@cranbrookbucks.ca or visit https://www.kootenayha.ca/