As the GOJHL playoffs get underway in Listowel tomorrow, it will be the start of the final part of the Cyclones' journey behind the bench for Head Coach Jason Brooks.
Brooks has made it public he will be stepping away at the end of this year after an extremely successful tenure as the Cyclones bench boss. He not being around the players next year will be an adjustment, but just because it’s the end of his coaching journey with the Cyclones it doesn’t mean goodbye.
“That’s probably what I’ll miss the most, is the camaraderie of the group and to see everybody pull together to achieve something. But, I may be gone as a coach, that doesn’t mean I won’t still be a member of the organization, and still be helping out when I can.”
Brooks notes that he will still play an advisory role and be available to lend a hand if the team needs some advice or guidance. Jason was a guest this week on MWO Sports, and says clinching first place in the last weekend of the season was huge.
“To get that number one seed, to get home ice, to be able to play throughout the playoffs if you’re fortunate enough to go all the way to a Cherrey Cup final, in front of your home fans and that extra home game is pretty special. The Steve Kerr Memorial, it’s been pretty big for our organization.”
As his time behind the bench nears its end, Brooks says he hasn’t stepped back yet to appreciate all the accomplishments as there’s still work to do, but he says his time in Listowel has been about great people, and great groups of players, culminating in last year’s double champions.
“To see the great kids that have come through the program here the last 5 years now, has been amazing. To watch that group win the championship last year was very special, seeing them have that success, because there was a lot of hard times in there as much as good times. So to see them have that success and the reward at the end is a credit to them.”
Brooks says the entire organization, from his staff down to the game-day volunteers, is second to none. Listowel host Brampton for game 1 Friday night at 7:30 at the Steve Kerr Memorial and you will be able to listen to the game on Cherrey Buslines OHA Hockey on CKNX.
https://soundcloud.com/blackburn-radio-wingham/mwo66-nhl-coach-brad-shaw-cyclones-head-coach-jason-brooks
