By Kelvin Cech
We sat down to talk about that transition, the power of networking, and what it’s like stepping into a first-class BCHL organization.
Kelvin: Brock, let’s start with your coaching story. You spent a long time in Powell River — how did you get started behind the bench?
Brock: I basically stopped playing and jumped right into coaching in Powell River. I got an opportunity to be an assistant coach there, and after my first season, our other assistant took the head job in Prince George, so I moved into a full-time role.
From there, I was in that position for about five years before becoming the head coach. I ran the show for around three and a half seasons, then took a year away from hockey. When this opportunity in Cranbrook came up, it just felt right. It happened fast, but I’m grateful to be back in the game and working with Ryan and Ben.
Kelvin: You and I were talking before this about how connected everyone in hockey seems to be. How has that network helped you along the way?
Brock: Hockey’s a small world — and the longer you’re in it, the more you realize how important relationships are. It’s about staying in touch with players you’ve coached, coaches you’ve worked with, and even guys who’ve moved into new roles. The relationships you build, whether as coach or player, are so valuable—especially as some former players get into coaching themselves. I’ve been lucky to work with great people in Powell River and beyond.
I’ve been lucky to work with a few great head coaches in Powell River and learn from each of them. That network just keeps expanding. I try to attend as many conferences as I can, meet new people, and keep those lines of communication open.
When I was running summer camps in Powell River, I got a call from Ryan one day — and it all came together pretty quickly after that.
“Hockey’s a small world — and the longer you’re in it, the more you realize how important relationships are.”
Kelvin: You’ve been a head coach and now you’re back as an assistant. How’s that transition been?
Brock: Honestly, it’s been seamless. I came in just wanting to observe how Ryan operates — how he plans practices, how he handles video, what details he focuses on. It’s been really valuable to learn his workflow.
As a staff, we’re all on the same page. Everyone brings their own strengths, and we’ve divided up projects that make sense for the players’ development. Ryan keeps everything organized — who’s handling pre-scout, who’s running meetings, that sort of thing.
After years of being the one planning every practice and running all the video, it’s nice to share that load and just focus on helping our players get better.
Kelvin: What areas of the game do you gravitate toward most?
Brock: I’ve always been passionate about every part of the game — but working with defensemen is what I really enjoy. I joke with the players that I was so bad when I played that I got to try every position except goalie.
This season, I’m focused on the D group and collaborating with Ryan on our defensive play. I also work with Ben on the power play. We call it a two-headed monster approach — bouncing ideas off each other, challenging each other, and finding what works best for our group.
“I was so bad when I played that I got to try every position except goalie.”
Kelvin: Between Powell River and now Cranbrook, you must have coached a ton of players. Have you kept tabs on many of them?
Brock: (Laughs) I’m not a math guy, so I couldn’t give you a number. I’m also the only one on our staff without an Ivy League education, so that tells you something.
But yeah, there are a lot of players. Some are still playing — a few at the pro level — and others are in completely different worlds now.
When we were at the BCHL Showcase in Abbotsford, it was like a reunion. I ran into former players, former staff, even guys I coached with years ago. Ben had teammates from Cornell who I coached in Powell River. You realize just how connected everyone in the hockey world really is.
Kelvin: How has the move to Cranbrook been for you?
Brock: It’s been awesome. I’d only ever known one BCHL organization as a player and coach, so this was a big change, but it’s been incredibly positive.
Everything here is first-class — from ownership and management to how the staff treat people. The communication is excellent, and there’s a real sense of professionalism. You can tell everyone cares about doing things the right way.
I feel fortunate to be here. It’s a great organization with great people.
“Everything here is first-class — from ownership and management to how the staff treat people.”
Kelvin: Brock, really appreciate you taking the time. It’s great to have you here in Cranbrook.
Brock: Thanks, Kelvin. It’s great to be here.
Coaches’ Challenge
For young coaches, Sawyer’s path is a reminder that growth often comes from stepping back as much as from leading. Whether you’re a head coach or an assistant, focus on collaboration, communication, and relationships — because in hockey, those are what open the next door.
