After laying the foundation for the Brandon varsity hockey program, Brian Moore is ready to pass along the coach’s whistle.
Moore, who has coached the Blackhawks for all five years of the program’s existence, confirmed he would be stepping down as the Brandon coach in the wake of the Blackhawks? 10-0 loss to eventual Division 3 state champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s in the state quarterfinals March 9.
Under Moore’s leadership, the Blackhawks reached the state quarterfinals each of the past three seasons.
Although Moore said he has not officially notified Athletic Director Larry Lamphere of his decision, he said he thinks the Brandon job will be an attractive opportunity for whomever succeeds him as coach.
‘I had a five-year plan when we came in here,? he said. ‘It’s a good opportunity for someone else to take over. The team’s in good shape.?
Moore said even though the Blackhawks are coming off three straight quarterfinal appearances, stepping down was the right decision for him to make.
‘It’s not bad (leaving the program) because I’m proud with what the kids accomplished,? he said. ‘I’m happy with what we’ve done here. The Brandon hockey team should be in good shape for years to come.?
As far as the playoff loss to St. Mary’s is concerned, Moore said this loss was a little more disappointing than the previous two quarterfinal losses to Cranbrook.
‘We were hoping to do better,? he said. ‘We thought we were in a position to work out and win it. That being said, we battled hard all the way through.?
Moore said once the Eaglets took a 5-0 lead at the end of the first period, he knew the Blackhawks were facing an uphill battle.
‘They’re an extremely fast team and very strong,? Moore said of St. Mary’s. ‘They jumped off the bat and kept the ball rolling.?
He also said St. Mary’s defense and goalie Shane Trexler did a good job of neutralizing Brandon’s top scorers, Mike Ross, Mike Cybulski, and Stephen Tallman.
‘We had about five pretty good scoring opportunities,? Moore said. ‘We had some chances, but not as much as we’re used to. Their goalie made some great saves.?
With the season now finished, the Blackhawks must face the task of replacing several key players who will be graduating.
Those players include goalie David Hughes, a second-team selection to the all-Flint Metro League team, whom Moore said ‘has been one of the best goalies in the area?; defensemen Chris Nuccio (a first-team Flint Metro League selection), Brendon Moquin, and Mark Westphal; and forwards Ross and Cybulski (both first-team All-League selections) and Kyle Jackson (a second-team All-League selection).
Moore said the amazing thing about this group of seniors was how they have remained friends through all their years together on and off the ice.
‘I’ll remember how much they’ll enjoy being around each other,? he said. ‘These guys spent four years together, and after four years of playing together, they still like each other. Our locker room was peaceful and harmonious all year.?
Despite their losses, the Blackhawks will return plenty of experience next season, including defensemen Scott Thurman and Tony Kraydich; forwards Tallman, Matt Cinader, Blake McLellan, Craig Skidmore, and Troy Nuccio; and goaltender Jeff Hammond, whom Moore said ‘looks like he’s ready to go? as the starter next season after playing in about one-third of the Blackhawks? games this season as the number-two goalie.
All told, Moore said whomever succeeds him as coach will have plenty to work with.
‘The cupboard is full and well-stocked,? he said.