Valley Native Had Storied Playing Career with Halifax Mooseheads and Acadia
BERWICK, NOVA SCOTIA (March 19, 2019) – The Valley Wildcats, proud member of the Maritime Hockey League, announced today they have hired Brandon Benedict as coach and general manager.
The Avondale, Nova Scotia native spent five seasons with the Mooseheads (1998-2003), graduating as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 303 points. Benedict continued his career for four seasons at Acadia University where he earned a Bachelor’s of Business Administration. After university, the 36-year-old spent a season and a half in the ECHL and CHL, before travelling overseas to play a season in Denmark and nine in the British Elite League, the last two as a player/assistant coach with the Belfast Giants. Benedict retired in 2018 before taking over the coaching reigns of Newbridge Academy’s (Halifax) major bantam boy’s program last season.
Brandon and his British-born wife Kirsty have a five-year-old son Austin and three-year-old daughter Annika. Currently living in Belfast, Benedict’s family will return to the Valley this summer where they will reside.
Wildcats owner Graham Baxter says Benedict has all the attributes needed to turn around the club’s fortunes.
“Brandon had an exemplary playing career and has gained valuable coaching experience over the past three seasons,” said Baxter. “He was a tenacious player with a very strong work ethic and he’ll bring those attributes to our organization. Valley fans will easily identify with a local hockey product like Brandon, who played at King’s Edgehill and Acadia and plans to make the Valley his permanent home once again.”
With Benedict taking over as general manager as well, Baxter also announced that Nick Greenough will stay on with the organization as senior advisor.
“Nick has a young family and a full-time career outside of hockey so he doesn’t have the time to be involved with the organization on a daily basis. However, his knowledge of the game and the league is invaluable and we’re pleased he’ll remain with the Wildcats organization.”
For his part, Benedict says he’s thrilled to launch his junior coaching career in the Valley and is excited to accept the challenge of turning around the Wildcats program.
“I couldn’t ask for a better place to coach junior hockey and to raise a family than in my home community,” said Benedict. “The Wildcats are a proud program and are committed to icing a winning team for our loyal fans. I can’t wait to get started.”
*Release via Valley Wildcats