Brett Hopfe Officially Named as Head Coach

Press Release

The term 'interim' Head Coach no longer applies to Brett Hopfe of the Olds Grizzlys.

Hopfe was officially named as Head Coach / Director of Hockey Operations today after less than two months in the interim position. Since taking over the reins, Hopfe has guided the Grizzlys to a 9-7 record and a current 7-game win streak.

A native of Didsbury, Alberta, Hopfe played with the Grizzlys for three years before joining the Robert Morris Colonials in 2004-05, an NCAA Division 1 University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a Grizzly, Hopfe was a fan favourite and was known as a fierce competitor who 'came to play' every night.

"Brett played with great passion as a Grizzly and it is obvious that he has been able to instill this attitude in the players since taking over as Coach," said Jim Ross, President of the Grizzlys. "There has been steady improvement in the team play since Brett took over."

Hopfe is not the only former Grizzly to step behind the bench. Dana Lattery has joined the club since the Christmas break as an Assistant Coach and brings with him a wealth of high level playing experience. Lattery played four years with the Grizzlys and led the AJHL in scoring in 1999-2000. A four year career at Western Michigan University was followed by various stints in the American Hockey League.

"Grizz fans can look forward to a team that will compete every night with these two coaches," said Ross. "They were both great leaders during their time here as players."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)