Hansen departs Sea Dogs bench

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs will have a different look behind the bench next season.

The team announced Friday that associate coach Jeff Hansen is returning to Alberta, where he will take on the head coach position with the Calgary International Hockey Academy under-18 team.

Hansen joined the Sea Dogs as an assistant coach in 2022 after previously working as an assistant with the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes and Calgary Hitmen. He was promoted to an associate coach in 2023.

“While we are very sad to see Jeff leave us this was the only and right decision for him and his family,” said Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Travis Crickard in a news release. “He will also have the opportunity to be head coach of an up-and-coming program in Calgary which will help continue his professional development.”

Hansen stepped in as Sea Dogs head coach 18 times over the past couple seasons, posting a record of 6-12.

From the news release:

“What an amazing adventure these last three years have been,” said Hansen. “Thank you to Scott and Trevor for welcoming me into such a great organization and for all you do for the team and the city. Thank you to Travis and Mark for challenging me and making me a better coach every day. Thank you to the players for trusting me with your development journey and for your commitment to continuously improve.” 

“I would also like to say thank you to the community and the friends we have made here for welcoming my family and making these three years so great. We are sad to be leaving, but excited for the opportunity ahead,” Hansen added.

The Sea Dogs will presumably hire a replacement for Hansen. Their coaching staff currently consists of Crickard, assistant coach Mark Lee and goaltending and video coach Max Essiambre.