The Langley Trappers announce Brad Bakken as Head Coach & General Manager for the 2021-2022 season. Bakken spent the last three seasons with the @langleyrivermen of the British Columbia Hockey League in an assistant coach capacity. He was the Trappers assistant coach during their inaugural season in 2017-2018.
“I’m excited for this opportunity to lead and continue the winning tradition instilled by Burt Henderson and Thomas Koshman over the last few seasons.
The Trappers have historically been young, fast, and skilled teams and I hope to continue with that tradition”.
Bakken has a long history of Hockey in Langley playing for the Langley Minor Hockey Association from Tyke through Bantam. ” I had great coaches growing up including Bernie McNeil, Danny Franco, Derek Franco, and Darryl Adams at the LMHA.” Bakken was a part of the first ever Fraser Valley Major Midget team. Then, called the Fraser Valley Flames (current Fraser Valley Thunderbirds) before heading to Osoyoos to play Jr. B for the then Osoyoos Storm under coach Bryant Perrier. “Moving to Osoyoos, living with a Billet family, and growing as a young man remains to this day as one of my favourite experiences and I encourage all young hockey players to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams of playing high level hockey in which ever town that may be” said Bakken. He was a seventh round WHL draft pick to the Seattle Thunderbirds and was fortunite enough to make the Thunderbirds as a 17 year old. He finished his Junior career with the Langley Chiefs of the British Columbia Hockey League under Harvey Smyl and Barry Wolff before using his WHL scholarship and playing Collegiate hockey at Mount Royal University for Jean Laforest and Trinity Western University for Dwayne Loudermilk and Barret Kropf. “I have had excellent coaches throughout my career and hope I can live up to their standard and deliver the same results to the players who come through our Trappers program over the next few years.” Bakken takes over for Burt Henderson and Thomas Koshman who have moved to the coaching staff of the Langley Rivermen for the upcoming season. “I wish the best for Henderson and Koshman while with the Rivermen. They will do well at the BCHL level. I hope to continue the winning tradition they leave behind.”
Want to play for the Langley Trappers? Send your inquiries to langleytrappers@gmail.com
