Brooks, Alberta — The Brooks Bandits have extended Head Coach Dakota Mason for the 2026–27 season. Mason is coming off his first season as Head Coach, which saw him lead the Bandits to the BCHL Championship in five games over the Nanaimo Clippers.
“It is something that me and my family don’t take lightly,” said Mason. “For the President Paul [Seaton], General Manager Wayne [Labrie], and the entire Board of Governors, we are deeply thankful for the trust they put in us. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play as a Bandit, be an Assistant Coach as a Bandit, and then to come full circle and become the Head Coach is something I take a lot of pride in, and I am going to put my best foot forward every day for this organization.”
The rookie bench boss led his squad to a 37-11-6 record in his first season, the second-best record in the entire BCHL. Their 253 regular season goals were the most in the league.
“Taking over as Head Coach after such an extraordinarily successful predecessor was a significant challenge, particularly in his first year. But he embraced the responsibility, worked closely with our Director of Hockey Operations, and helped deliver another championship when few outside our organization expected it,” said President Paul Seaton. “Having been part of our first National Championship in 2013 and later serving as an Assistant Coach, he understands our culture and what it takes to maintain our standard of excellence.”
Mason won his fifth championship with the club this past season, following two championships as a player (2012, 2013) and two as an assistant coach (2024, 2025).
“Our Board of Directors couldn’t be more proud of what he and our hockey staff accomplished,” added Seaton.
The Bandits will begin their quest for a three-peat on September 18, when they visit the Blackfalds Bulldogs to kick off the regular season.
