The Nipawin Junior ‘A’ Hawks have extended the contract of General Manager and Head Coach Tad Kozun for two years on top of his original deal signed in 2022.
The Nipawin product took over his junior alma mater in December of 2021. He guided the team back to the playoffs last season. He said it’s an honour to coach his hometown team and is excited to have the extension out of the way.
“It’s obviously big,” Kozun said. “Especially heading into the season when you are in your last year to know there is two more years coming on top of that, it’s time to get to work and continue the process.”
In Kozun’s first full season the Hawks finished in eighth place, up from 11th when he took over on the interim. With a strong 2003-group returning, more experience at all positions, and Damon Cunningham returning in net, Kozun said hosting game one of the first round this year is the next goal.
“I would say that’s very fair, you have to take the next steps. We talked about it last year, getting to the playoffs and getting that experience. Being able to host that first playoff game is the goal, but you have to put in the work to get there,” he added.
Hawks’ President Shayne Pickering said inking Kozun to an extension was important to the organization ahead of the season.
“We’re extremely excited to get Tad extended before the season kicks off,” Pickering said. “He’s brought a lot hard work and positive impacts to the organization. We as a board believe Tad has earned this extension and we can’t wait to see what he can do with another season behind the bench.”
Nipawin will begin training camp Thursday evening at the Centennial Arena.