There will be a familiar face behind the bench for Bruins’ fans, when the SJHL sends its top talent to compete at the 2026 Viking Cup later this month in Camrose, AB.
Bruins’ bench-boss, Drew Kocur has been named the Head Coach for Team SJHL, and will be tasked with assembling the group that will compete at one of Canada’s most prestigious international hockey tournaments, which will make its return after nearly 20 years when it kicks off Dec. 27 to Jan. 3 at the Encana Arena in Camrose.
The SJHL 20U team will be one of five competing at the tournament – along with the Augustana Vikings (Camrose, AB) and SAIT Trojans (Calgary, AB) of the ACAC; Midland University Warriors (Nebraska, USA) of the ACHA; and Czechia University Selects made up of talent from Czechia, EU.
Kocur said he’s looking forward to the tournament and all that’s ahead.
“Obviously it’s an honour and I’m very excited for the opportunity to coach some of the best players in our league,” Kocur said. “To have them all on the same team is huge and I’m pretty pumped and looking forward to the tournament and seeing how it all plays out.”
Joining Kocur behind the bench as Assistant Coach, will be another recognizable face, in Bruins’ alum and Interim Assistant Coach to end last season, Turner Ripplinger.
“I know he’s pretty excited about it, and obviously we’ve got some chemistry not only from last year, but the last number of years as we’re good buddies. So for him to come with me is going to be an awesome experience and I’m sure the guys will love it as well,” Kocur added on Ripplinger joining the staff.
The tournament will feature 13 games across its eight days, culminating in the bronze and gold medal games on Jan. 3.
Team SJHL is guaranteed at least four games, opening their schedule vs. Midland University Dec. 28.
Stay tuned for roster announcements on the SJHL team to come in the next week.
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Marty Martinson/Bruins PxP & Marketing Director
On X: @MartyMartyPxP1
