Brooks Bandits extend head coach Mason, add assistant Wilkinson

“For the president Paul [Seaton], general manager Wayne [Labrie], and the entire Board of Governors, we are deeply thankful for the trust they put in us,” he added.

“I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to play as a Bandit, be an assistant coach as a Bandit, and then to come full circle and become the head coach is something I take a lot of pride in, and I am going to put my best foot forward every day for this organization.”

Mason’s championship was his fifth with the Bandits.

He won two titles as a player in 2012 and 2013 and two more as an assistant coach in 2024 and 2025.

Bandits president Paul Seaton said Mason faced a significant challenge taking over as head coach following a highly successful predecessor in Ryan Papaioannou.

“Taking over as head coach after such an extraordinarily successful predecessor was a significant challenge, particularly in his first year. But he embraced the responsibility, worked closely with our Director of Hockey Operations, and helped deliver another championship when few outside our organization expected it,” said Seaton in a statement.

“Having been part of our first National Championship in 2013 and later serving as an assistant coach, he understands our culture and what it takes to maintain our standard of excellence.”

Seaton added that the organization’s board is proud of Mason and the team’s hockey staff.

“Our Board of Directors couldn’t be more proud of what he and our hockey staff accomplished,” Seaton said.

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(Image Credit: Brooks Bandits)

The Bandits have also added Ryan Wilkinson as an assistant coach for the upcoming season.

The St. Albert, Alta., native brings playing, coaching and player-development experience to the Brooks staff.

Wilkinson played five seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the St. Albert Steel and Calgary Mustangs before continuing his playing career at SUNY-Fredonia. He later played professionally in the SPHL and FHL.

Following his playing career, Wilkinson moved into coaching and player development.

He was an assistant coach at Williams College in the NCAA and a graduate assistant coach with the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Wilkinson has also worked extensively in elite player development, focusing on skill advancement, individual growth, performance systems and team development.

Most recently, he was head coach of the St. Albert Raiders U15 AAA Sabres.

Bandits general manager Wayne Labrie said Wilkinson’s experience makes him a strong addition to the organization.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Ryan to the Brooks Bandits. His experience as a player, his NCAA coaching background and, most importantly, his passion for developing young hockey players make him a tremendous fit for our organization,” Labrie said in a statement.

“Ryan brings a very strong skill-development component to our staff, along with a detailed understanding of what it takes for players to progress to the next level. We believe he will have a significant impact on our players both on and off the ice.”

Wilkinson said he is looking forward to joining the Bandits and continuing his coaching career in Brooks.

“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to join the Brooks Bandits and become part of an organization with such a strong tradition of winning and developing players,” said Wilkinson in a statement.

“I’m looking forward to working with the coaching staff and players and helping create an environment where our players can continue to grow, develop and reach their goals.”

The Bandits will begin their bid for a third consecutive BCHL championship Sept. 18, when they visit the Blackfalds Bulldogs to open the regular season.

by Jesse Gill

Brooks Bandits extend head coach Mason, add assistant Wilkinson

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