Posted: 6/12/02

Brandt named hockey coach at FLHS

Berk Brown
Sports Editor

Forest Lake has gone to its bench to find its new boys hockey coach.

Carl Brandt, who served as the head junior varsity coach last season, was named as the Rangersí next coach by Activities Director Don Bosch last week.

Brandt replaces Jim Young who resigned after just one season. Bosch said he interviewed six of the 13 applicants for the position and simply felt like Brandt was the best fit for the position, especially considering he will be the teamís fourth coach in four years.

ìHeís going to bring some of the same stuff that Jim had,î Bosch said. ìThat comes from the interview I had with Carl and conversations Iíve had with Jim. (Brandt) will being the same type work ethic and intensity and he knows the game and knows the ability of the athletes we have coming back.î

Brandt, who spent nine years as a coach in the Forest Lake youth hockey system prior to last season, said he feels like heís a good fit with the program.

ìThis is sort of a dream come true for me. Itís been a goal of mine for a long time,î Brandt said. ìIím excited, obviously.

ìJim did a fantastic job last year and the experience we had last year was outstanding. What I hope to do is build on that experience. I bring a lot of enthusiasm and dedication to the program.î

Brandt also wants to help build a fluid hockey program in Forest Lake from the youth levels to the high school and looks forward to good seasons ahead.

ìWe have a very strong nucleus of players returning and good junior varsity players that if they continue to mature and develop their skills, we can build on the success we had last year,î he said. ìIím going to work hard to build even more community spirit with the hockey program.î

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