Former Viper Cook Named Grizzlies Assistant Coach:

This is posted on the Grizzlies website:

GRIZZLIES ADD COOK TO COACHING RANKS

July 20, 2010 Victoria Grizzlies -

The Victoria Grizzlies have added defensive power to their bench with the announcement that former Salmon Kings blue-liner Brad Cook is coming on board as an assistant coach.

Cook won the RBC Cup in 1996 in an all-star B.C. Hockey League season with the Vernon Vipers, then went on to play 12 seasons in the minor pro leagues. The coach of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League Saanich Braves last year, Cook runs hockey schools and clinics and has recently been named head coach of the hockey academy at Spectrum.

"He brings a lot of knowledge to the defensive part of the game. He's really going to help us out," Grizzlies coach Victor Gervais said, adding former goaltender coach David Brumby is returning to the team, as well.

Last year, Wade Bartley began the BCHL campaign as the Victoria assistant coach, but left the team mid-season to return to his home in the United States. Former Salmon King Nate Forster took over, but wasn't able to fully commit, due to his job as a firefighter. The situation is different for Cook.

"Coaching is my job," said the 35-year-old native of Southgate, Mich.. "I was in the VIJHL for four years, and I loved every minute of it."

Cook is looking forward to moving up from Junior B to the Junior A Grizzlies and being challenged by the next level of coaching. His strategy is to get to know his players, and teach them to use their strong points to the best advantage.

"I think I can show kids some things they might not have seen before."

Cook expects his defencemen to be well rounded and not shy about making plays. He believes in creative thinking, rather than just banging the puck off the boards or glass and hoping something happens.

"I want them to get their feet moving and make plays," he said. "If there's no play, the glass and boards will always be there."

BEAR TRACKS: With Cook moving to the Grizzlies, Robin Gomez, yet another former Salmon King, is stepping into his role coaching the Braves.