Calgary Canucks Name Jay Pylypuik Head Coach and Brandon Kozun Associate Coach and the Return of Riley Hearn as Assistant Coach and Mike Bergren Goalie Coach
Calgary, AB – August 19, 2025 – The Calgary Canucks are proud to announce the appointment of Jay Pylypuik as the organization’s new Head Coach. A proud Calgarian and proven leader behind the bench, Pylypuik brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to the game at every level.
Pylypuik has coached with distinction the University of Calgary Dinos, the Mount Royal University Cougars, numerous Hockey Alberta elite programs, and at the grassroots level with Hockey Calgary including the U18 AAA Buffaloes and Royals. A Canucks alumnus himself, Pylypuik’s journey has come full circle—returning to lead the very team that helped shape his coaching career. Most recently, he served as the Head Coach of the Winnipeg Monarchs in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, further solidifying his reputation for player development and competitive excellence.
As a player, Pylypuik competed at the junior, NCAA, and professional levels, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to excel. His appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the Canucks prepare to defend their historic back-to-back AJHL Championships and their 2025 Centennial Cup title on home ice this past spring.
“Jay is the ideal leader to guide the Canucks into our next chapter,” said Ryan Rarick, General Manager of the Calgary Canucks. “He is a teacher, a motivator, and a proud Calgarian who understands both the tradition of this franchise and the responsibility that comes with wearing the Canucks crest. His ability to develop players and his experience at every level of the game will ensure we continue to build on our legacy of excellence.”
In addition, the Canucks are excited to announce that Brandon Kozun will join the club as Associate Coach for the upcoming 2025–26 season.
A fellow Calgarian, Kozun is an accomplished player with an impressive resume that includes competing in the NHL, KHL, CHL, and representing Team Canada at the IIHF U20 World Junior Championship. A product of the AJHL, Kozun became one of the CHL’s most dynamic players, more than doubling his point production with the Calgary Hitmen in a single season from 53 to 108 points. His elite knowledge of the game, relentless competitiveness, and passion for player development make him a tremendous addition to the Canucks’ bench.
“Brandon’s career is a blueprint for what’s possible when talent, hard work, and determination come together,” added Rarick. “Our players will benefit tremendously from his insight, his high-performance mindset, and his drive to help them achieve their goals both on and off the ice.”
The Canucks are also pleased to welcome back Riley Hearn as Assistant Coach. A Centennial Cup-winning coach and proud Canucks alumnus, Hearn has played a pivotal role in skills development, team culture, and leadership within the organization. He was instrumental in guiding the Canucks to their national championship win this past season and previously helped the club earn a third-place finish at the 2024 Centennial Cup, where he was also recognized as the tournament’s Most Sportsmanlike Player—a true mark of respect across the national stage.
“Riley represents everything it means to be a Canuck,” said Rarick. “His leadership, his ability to connect with players, and his passion for building a winning team environment make him invaluable. We are thrilled to have him continue his journey with us.”
The Canucks are equally thrilled to announce the return of Mike Bergren as Goalie Coach. Bergren, who played a crucial role in the Canucks’ Centennial Cup championship this past spring, is highly respected for his ability to develop elite goaltenders and prepare them for the highest levels of competition. His expertise, attention to detail, and steady influence have been instrumental in the club’s success.
“Mike has been a difference-maker for our program,” said Rarick. “His ability to mentor and prepare goaltenders to perform under the brightest lights has been critical to our national championship runs. Having him return ensures that our goaltending will continue to be a foundation of strength for the Canucks.”
Pylypuik, Kozun, Hearn and Bergren will join forces with General Manager Ryan Rarick and Assistant Coach Mat Robinson, forming one of the most dynamic and accomplished coaching staffs in Canadian junior hockey. Together, they will build on last season’s historic success, ensuring a strong start to the 2025–26 campaign, preparing the Canucks to defend their national championship title and sustaining our excellence in the seasons ahead.
The Calgary Canucks would like to extend heartfelt thanks to our loyal fans, community partners, and the entire Calgary hockey community for their unwavering support. With this coaching team in place, the Canucks are poised for another thrilling season of Junior A hockey as they proudly defend their national championship title.
