August 27, 2024 – The Brooks Bandits are pleased to announce Luke Israel has accepted a position as Assistant Coach for the 2024-25 season.
Israel spent the last year as an Assistant Coach in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) with the Listowel Cyclones where he helped coach the team to the 2024 Sutherland Cup. The team carried a 38-8-1-2 record heading into the playoffs where they closed out the Sutherland Cup with a 19-3 record through 22 games.
“I’m incredibly excited to be welcomed by a top-tier organization like the Brooks Bandits,” said Israel.
“It’s an incredible opportunity to pursue my passion for coaching, and I look forward to bringing a positive growth-based mindset to the team. Endless thanks go out to my family, friends, the Listowel Cyclones & my mentors for the countless support and making this a possibility.”
The 26-year-old from Waterloo, Ontario, has also spent time playing for one of the most highly regarded Prep hockey coaches in North America, during his 2 years with coach Andrew Will at the Salisbury School.
“I’m excited to add Luke to our staff for our first full season in the BCHL. He comes to us from a great program with a winning tradition in Listowel where he was part of a championship team last season,” said Bandits Head Coach and GM, Ryan Papaioannou.
“Throughout the process, Luke was eager for the opportunity and showed a willingness to help our group anywhere required. As a young coach, Luke is connected to the players and excited to help them on their development path. He comes to us highly recommended by current and former Bandits. We are all looking forward to his arrival to Brooks this week and getting started with the players this weekend.”
Israel joins the Bandits coaching staff led by Papaioannou, Assistant Coach Dakota Mason, Skills Coach Kevin Yellowaga and Goaltender Coach Keven Sajinovic.
The Bandits take on the Saints in our first home exhibition game on Saturday, September 7th at 7 PM.
