The slogan the recent Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League regime hopes to build is ‘Stay Here, Play Here’ – the idea that we hope for the best Saskatchewan kids to stay in our province and play in our league.
In the case of Nipawin Hawks’ head coach Tad Kozun, it goes even a little farther than that: ‘Stay here, play here, coach here.’
Kozun, 31, is a Nipawin native who still farms nearby. He also scored 152 points in 157 games for the Hawks between 2011 and 2014 before going on to an NCAA Division I career at the University of Alaska-Anchorage and a four-year professional career.
It goes another step, as brothers Taran and Austyn played for the Hawks.
Indeed, Hawks colours run freely through Kozun’s veins.
“Everything, this town means everything,” he says.
“The support we get from this small community, in all aspects (is special). The small-town feel and how everyone comes together to support this team (is great).”
Kozun took over the head coaching duties of the club midway through the 2021-22 campaign, and with the help of a terrific scouting staff, including hard-working assistant general manager Dana Dirks, built a 2022-23 club that impressed to a seventh-placed finish.
Last year was rebuilding, but with a large stockpile of prospects and a solid core of returnees, Kozun and his staff feel great about a rebound in 2024-25.
“We are excited where we are at,” he says.
“Our staff and scouts have done a fantastic job identifying players who will help our team next season. We are looking forward to getting started soon.”
“We want to be a team that never gives up,” he adds, “and is the hardest working team. We want guys with high character.”
As much as 23-24 did not go how the club wanted, performances from potential returners like local boy Finley Radloff and Eric Hoiness up front and Vito Biondo on the back end should fill the club with hope. With Damon Cunningham in the net, the Hawks should feel as good as anybody about their goaltending heading into the campaign.
“(We want) to help the kids develop and move onto whatever the next chapter of their lives will be,” Kozun says.
“Not only in hockey but all aspects of life.”
