Your 2022 / 2023 Junior A Valley Wildcats Coaching Staff

 

Brandon Benedict –  Head Coach & General Manager

Brandon is entering his fourth year as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Wildcats organization in 2022-23.

He played his entire major junior career with the Halifax Mooseheads followed by a four-year university career with the Acadia Axemen. His pro career saw him make stops in Texas, Denmark, Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Nottingham England. His love for the game was evident at every level Brandon played, and he looks forward to bringing that love for the game, along with his reputation as a digger and a hard-working mentality to his new position. His experience as an assistant coach with the Belfast Giants of the EIHL will certainly be an asset for the Avondale NS native.

Nick Croft – Assistant Coach

Nick Croft is no stranger to the Maritime Hockey League.

The Newfoundland native played four years with the Miramichi Timberwolves, for whom he was a first round draft pick. Croft would also go on to play AUS hockey with the Dalhousie Tigers, playing three years in USports. Croft has combined his passions of teaching and hockey, spending several years instructing students at Newbridge Academy, and coaching with the Newbridge Major Bantam program.

David Leddicote – Assistant Coach

David Leddicote comes with a strong background as being an assistant coach with the Yarmouth Mariners the past 5 seasons where he has won an MHL championship. Leddicote, originally from Middleton, has strong roots in Western Valley and has even played within the Wildcats organization at the U18 level.

Carl Howard – Athletic Therapist/Equipment Manager

Born in Calgary Alberta, Carl moved to Nova Scotia at a young age, and is now a permanent resident of the Annapolis Valley.

Carl started his career as a primary care paramedic back in 2003. He now holds a diploma in Advanced Care Paramedicine, in which he has worked ground ambulance, air ambulance, industrial paramedicine, and as an Emergency Department paramedic.

Carl lives in Aylesford with his wife Cindy, and 2 children Caleb and Chloe. Carl has been an equipment manager and coach for minor baseball, minor hockey and soccer in the valley for the past 5 years.