Calgary Hitmen name Dustin Friesen 12th head coach in franchise history
The Calgary Hitmen announce Dustin Freisen as the 12th head coach in franchise history.
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'We are excited to welcome Dustin as our new head coach,' said general manager Garry Davidson. 'He is a proven winner at every level in his playing career and has had a direct impact on championship teams in the past two seasons.'
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'He has a passion to develop players and to create a strong culture. We know he will lead and guide our team and build on our progression and success from last season.'
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Friesen joins the Hitmen on a multi-year deal after a standout season as associate coach of the Moncton Wildcats, where he helped lead the team to a QMJHL championship and a Memorial Cup appearance. Prior to his time in the CHL, Friesen served as head coach of the Prairie Hockey Academy's U18 Prep team (CSSHL) from 2021 to 2024. He also contributed to the Moose Jaw Warriors during the 2023–24 season, capturing the teams first-ever WHL championship.
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Friesen brings a wealth of experience from an 11-year professional playing career, including three seasons in the AHL and eight seasons in Germany, where he served as captain of ERC Ingolstadt and won a DEL2 championship. Before turning pro, he spent five seasons with the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds where he captained the team to two USports titles. His junior career includes four seasons with the Swift Current Broncos.
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Joining Friesen on the bench is Hitmen alumnus Brad Moran as assistant coach. Moran played five seasons with the club from 1995 to 2000. Following a successful career as a player, Moran transitioned into coaching and has spent the past seven years with the AJHL's Calgary Canucks. As head coach and general manager for the last six seasons, he guided the team to two AJHL championships and a Centennial Cup title this year.
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Moran remains the Hitmen franchise's all-time leader in games played (357), goals, assists, and points, with an impressive 450 points (204 goals, 246 assists). His number 20 is the only jersey number retired by the organization.
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Also returning as assistant coach is Dakota Krebs, who joined the team's coaching staff last season as video coach. A Hitmen alumnus, Krebs played for the club from 2018 to 2020 following three seasons with the Tri-City Americans. He later spent four years with the University of Calgary Dinos men's hockey program, where he served as an assistant captain for two seasons and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree.
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