Cranbrook, BCHL Expansion Team, Hires Ryan Donald as Coach/GM

The Cranbrook Bucks, the newest franchise in the British Columbia Hockey League, announced the hiring of Ryan Donald as the head coach and general manager.  Donald and the Bucks have come to an agreement on a four-year contract which will begin with the 2020-2021 season.

“Ryan is an incredible hire for our club and is absolutely the right person to build this franchise” said owner and president Nathan Lieuwen. “Not only does he have quality experience coaching at high levels, but he also has great connections throughout the NCAA.”

Donald has been an assistant coach at Yale University, a job he had held since the 2015-2016 season. The Edmonton, Alberta native played four years at Yale, including captaining his final season before embarking on a three-year professional career.

“I am thrilled to be able to lay the foundation for success here in Cranbrook,” he said. “It is a rare opportunity to build a program from the ground up, and to do so in a place with a passion for hockey like Cranbrook is outstanding.

“It was clear to me from the beginning that our ownership is passionate about this community and the success of our athletes both on and off the ice. As the head coach and general manager, I will bring that same energy and passion as we build a culture of daily excellence.”

Ryan and his family will be relocating to Cranbrook at the conclusion of his duties at Yale.