Boys Hockey: Search begins for new Warrior coach – Brainerd Dispatch

BRAINERD As part of its consent motion on Monday, April 10, the Brainerd School Board decided at its board meeting not to renew the contract of Brainerd Warriors boys head coach Howie Borden.

The decision not to renew the Bordens’ contract was made by Brainerd’s director of operations, Jack Freeman.

After much consideration and consideration, I have made the decision to change the leadership of our boys hockey program, Freeman wrote in a statement. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Coach Borden for his commitment to our program over the past two years. The time and energy he puts into the program is recognized and appreciated. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.

I look forward to beginning the search for the next boys hockey head coach.

Brainerd finished the 2022-23 season with an overall record of 11-13-3. The Warriors went 5-6 in the Central Lakes Conference. Brainerd received the No. 9 seed in the Section 8-2A playoffs, but was pulled by upset No. 8 St. Cloud in a play-in game. The Warriors’ season ended with a 6-2 loss to top seed Moorhead in the quarterfinals.

In Bordens first season as head coach, Brainerd finished 6-19-2 overall and 4-4-2 in the conference.

The Warriors were again the No. 9 seed in the sectional playoffs, but edged St. Cloud 3-2 in overtime in a play-in game before losing to No. 1 seed Moorhead 7-0 in the quarterfinals.

I personally believe in the talent and potential of this team next season, Borden said in a statement. The team is full of leaders and players with strong character. I believe that their success has contributed to the daily effort and hard work of the players, assistant coaches and other support staff.

The team has 16 varsity contributors returning with one goaltender, six defensemen and nine forwards. After a good summer of training, they compete on the ice. I wish each player nothing but the best and I hope they play for the Section 8-2A Championship.

Borden said a few hockey opportunities have already come up, but he’s focused on his family, especially his 19-month-old son, who Borden described as full of energy and curiosity.

JEREMY MILLSOP can be reached at 218-855-5856 or [email protected]. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/jeremymillsop.

Covering the Lake Brainerd area sports scene for the past 23 years.