The Kenai River Brown Bears, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are excited to announce the hiring of Dan Bogdan as assistant coach. Dan will be joining the Brown Bears in place of Nick Sova, who has recently accepted a head coaching position with the Iowa Wild 18U AAA (T1EHL).
“We are very excited to add a coach of Dan’s caliber and experience to our staff and Brown Bear Nation”, said Brown Bears head coach Josh Petrich. Petrich continued, “We are very excited and sad at the same time to see Nick leave, but understand it is what is best for his development as a coach and person. Brown Bear Nation wishes Nick all the best in his future endeavors!”
Bogdan comes to the Brown Bears from Northfield Mount Hermon Prep School of the NEPSAC, helping lead them to a 24-6-3 record and #1 seed in the Large Prep School Tournament. Prior to joining Northfield Mount Hermon, Dan coached with CT Jr. Huskies AAA program while also serving as the On-Ice Strength and Conditioning coach for the University of Connecticut. Dan played his college hockey at Framingham State University, while playing his youth hockey at Avon Old Farms Prep School.
“I am very excited to join Kenai River and be a part of a great organization. I look forward to bringing a positive influence and energy to the players/staff both on and off the ice, and help Josh continue to build a successful culture”, commented Dan about the opportunity. He then added this about working in the NAHL, “The NAHL is a great league that helps so many players make the jump to the next level. I cannot wait to help and watch our players develop and move onto higher levels of hockey!”
Nick also spoke of his time in Kenai, “My experience with the Brown Bears organization was great. From top to bottom was a wonderful place to start off my coaching career. To be able to jump right into the NAHL as an assistant coach right after my playing career and graduating college, I gained valuable knowledge that not many other leagues could have offered.” He continued, “I would like to thank General Manager Nate Kiel, Head Coach Josh Petrich, and the rest of the Kenai River staff, organization, and community, for giving me the opportunity to coach and welcoming me to Alaska with open arms. The Kenai Peninsula will always hold a special place in my heart. The experience I gained from coaching in Kenai River, I will be able to take with me throughout my coaching career.”
Nick will assume his role with Iowa Wild AAA full time following this weeks Main Camp, while Dan will make his first appearance at a Brown Bear function during Main Camp. Main Camp starts tomorrow, Tuesday, July 10th and runs through Sunday, July 15th at the Schwan’s Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota. The Brown Bears staff will be selection 25+ players from Main Camp to bring to the Kenai Peninsula for Training Camp, which will begin on Monday, August 27th. If you have any questions, please contact the Brown Bears at (907) 262-7825 or email projects@krbbears.com.
