Moose Jaw Warriors assistant coach Gord Burnett is moving on from the Western Hockey League team.
The 39-year-old Regina native was announced as the new head coach of the University of Manitoba Bisons men’s hockey program earlier this week, taking over from long-time coach Mike Sirant, who retired at the end of last season after 30 years with the team.
“Joining the University of Manitoba Bisons as the head coach of the hockey program is an absolute honour,” Burnett said on the University of Manitoba website. “I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with student-athletes and contribute to their growth and success, both on and off the ice.
“I recognize the rich legacy and storied history of the University of Manitoba's hockey program and I'm excited to build upon its foundation. I have a vision that encompasses fostering a culture of teamwork, resilience and continued improvement. We will strive for excellence in every aspect of our game, on and off the ice. I am dedicated to providing our student-athletes with a supportive environment that nurtures growth as athletes, scholars and individuals.”
Burnett -- who largely worked with the team’s defensive corps -- joined the Warriors prior to the 2020-21 Regina Hub campaign and spent the past three seasons with the team. The Warriors went 8-13-3-0 in the abbreviated COVID campaign, but the past two seasons were far better, including a 37-24-4-3 record in 2021-22 and 41-24-0-3 showing in 2022-23 that saw the team reach the conference semifinals both times.
Burnett joins a Bisons crew that finds itself looking to climb up the USports ladder, having finished 8-19-1 and in last place in the Canada West standings in 2022-23.
