2024 ACAC Men's Hockey Coach of the Year
Edmonton, AB (March 21, 2024) –
Male Coach of the Year | Sam Klassen | Briercrest Clippers:
The Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) is proud to announce Sam Klassen of Briercrest College has been named the ACAC Men’s Hockey Coach of the Year.
Sam has had an outstanding year in his second season as Head Coach of the Clippers, where he has guided Briercrest to their first ACAC Regular Season League Championship, since the program joined the Conference in 1997-98.
Under Sam’s leadership this year, built on their success from the previous best ever season to win the regular season title. With that, his team also secured hosting for the first time an ACAC semi-final playoff series.
Klassen has demonstrated that he is not only a fantastic hockey coach but is also a leader who really cares deeply for his players and has a desire to see them grow as men of character and as followers of Jesus, through the unique training ground of competitive college hockey in the Briercrest environment. It is no coincidence that the team has continued to thrive forward this year under his leadership.
Briercrest Athletic Director Stan Peters commented on Sam's leadership, stating,“We are thrilled for Sam to receive this award. He is a transformational coach. We are fortunate to have Sam bring his passion for his faith, family, developing young men and hockey together.”
“Sam has focused on building strong relationships, and through this, the team has become tighter and stronger – they never quit, they are prepared, they support each other, and they deal with adversity. These are all qualities that reflect Sam’s character.”
Congratulations, Sam!
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About the ACAC: The ACAC is the governing body for intercollegiate athletics in Alberta. Its mission is to provide competitive collegiate sport experiences, promote academic achievement and be a leader of sport development in Canada.
For more information on the ACAC, please visit our website: www.acac.ab.ca
For additional information, contact:
Mark Kosak, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Chief Executive Officer
403-875-7329
markk@acac.ab.ca
Kayla Blacquiere, Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
kaylab@acac.ab.ca