Brad Lauer returns to the WHL after two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets.
The Spokane Chiefs have named Brad Lauer as their new head coach. Lauer, who was the WHL's Coach of the Year in 2020 returns to the WHL after spending the last two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets as an assistant coach. This will be Lauer's second time as a head coach in the WHL and third time behind the bench since 2002.
Lauer brings plenty of experience to Spokane that should help grow the program. In four seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings, Lauer led the organization to a record of 154-46-13-10 and captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2022. The Oil Kings also won the division in all four seasons and would have been to more Memorial Cups if not for the playoffs being cancelled due to COVID.
In a statement, Chiefs GM Matt Bardsley wrote, "We are very excited to have Brad lead our team as the next Head Coach for the Spokane Chiefs. He led his team to tremendous success in the WHL during his four seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings, as well as preparing and developing his players for the next level. With Brad’s nine years of NHL coaching experience, and most recently with the Winnipeg Jets, he has a great understanding of what it takes for today’s junior players to not only play in the NHL but succeed there. Brad is an excellent communicator and teacher of the game. He is well-respected in the hockey industry and we received strong endorsements from executives within the WHL and NHL. We would like to welcome Brad along with his wife, Daria, and two daughters, Camryn and Addison, to Spokane."
After making the playoffs last season, Spokane is projected to take another step forward and could challenge for a top-four spot in the conference. Led by eighth overall pick Berkly Catton, as well as other NHL-drafted talent, including Saige Weinstein, William McIsaac and Nathan Mayes, the Chiefs are an exciting team with plenty of talent throughout the lineup. Lauer should have plenty to work with as he looks to help Spokane win their first playoff series since 2019.
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