Brooks Bandits assistant coach Nick Prkusic is leaving the team for an opportunity to play professional hockey. (CHAT News File Photo)

By Chris Brown

Bandits assistant coach leaving to pursue playing career

Jul 18, 2023 | 2:24 PM

BROOKS, AB – Two months after helping the Brooks Bandits to an AJHL and national title one of the team’s coaches is stepping out from behind the bench to chase a hockey career on the ice.

The team announced today Nick Prkusic is leaving for an unspecified opportunity to play professional hockey.

READ MORE: Bandits get hero’s welcome after third straight national title

Prkusic rejoined the Bandits last summer as an assistant coach after playing with the team from 2013-2017. As a player, Prkusic won two Alberta Junior Hockey League titles, the second as team captain. In between he played four seasons of college hockey in the U.S.. and coached one year in Saskatchewan

“Being able to return to Brooks to coach was an incredible experience. From the relationships built with the players and staff, to going on our national championship run, it was truly an unforgettable season,” says Prkusic in a news release.

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“The decision to move on was difficult, but when the opportunity to go play again came up I couldn’t pass on it. Being able to add professional playing experience will allow me to live a lifelong dream, but also allow me to learn everything that comes with pro hockey. I can’t thank Ryan (Papaioannou) enough for the chance he gave me, and I look forward to following the Bandits in their pursuit of a 4th consecutive National Championship.”

Head coach and GM Papaioannou says Prkusic was a tremendous help to last season’s success.

“After coaching him for three years and now having him work for me I can say that he is an intelligent hockey mind with passion for the game,” he says. “He developed throughout last season as a young coach and is well set up to re-join the coaching ranks after playing professionally. He is at the age where he must take this shot at playing before he’s been out of the game for too long. We are very understanding of his passion to compete in pro hockey and want to thank him for his efforts last season and wish him the best, hoping we will have him back in Brooks once again.”

The Bandits say they’ll name a new assistant coach later this week.