Mario Pouliot has signed a two-year contract extension with the Bonnyville Pontiacs as of June 2nd, 2023 to remain with the franchise as the Head Coach.
“I am very happy and excited to be back with the Pontiacs and to continue pursuing what we started building last year,’ said Mario Pouliot.
“It’s going to be different for me compared to last year when I came in around September 19th. Now, I am going to be there from the very start for training camp.”
Pouliot joined the Pontiacs last season (22/23) after the departure of Brad Flynn at the start of the year.
“It puts me in a position to know the players, league, and town from the beginning which is a huge difference.”
“The future is looking good and we are going to have good team potential. For me, the most important thing is the players.”
Under Mario Pouliot’s supervision, the Pontiacs went on to the North Division Final for just the second time in franchise history and the first time since 2015.
“Last year I discovered a lot of good young men always willing to work hard and we’ve built a really good relationship with those guys.”
“The next season will be pretty interesting so being there at the start of the season is going to be huge for myself.
I want to thank Chad, Neil, and the board for their trust.”
Mario Pouliot is a proven competitor and his time with the Pontiacs last season really showed how much of a knack he has at getting everything out of his players.
“The Pontiacs Organization is ecstatic to be able to have Coach Pouliot remain with the team for the next two years,’ said Associate General Manager Neil Langridge.
“It seemed like it was all meant to be last year with how Mario came to our team and then proceeded to lead the franchise to the north final for only the second time in our history.”
“Mario brings an upbeat approach to the game and in turn has high expectations from the players. That combined with his knowledge and experience turned out to be a great fit in our organization and community.”
In 2019, Pouliot became the only coach in recent memory to win back-to-back Memorial Cups and is just one of 3 coaches to win the Memorial Cup with more than one team.
“To have someone of Mario’s background in the AJHL let alone our organization is a huge win,” said Neil Langridge.
Fans can expect the same drive and passion to continue both on and off the ice as the 2023-2024 season gets underway.
“As a staff and organization, we are thrilled to bring coach Pouliot back and lead the Pontiacs moving forward after having arguably the most successful season in franchise history in 2022-2023,’ said Associate General Manager Chad Nelson.
“Mario’s wealth of experience and winning pedigree is what we as an organization covet and need.”
“Now we turn our focus to the 2023-2024 season and bringing an AJHL championship to the community of Bonnyville. It is an exciting time for the Pontiac organization and we hope to see all fans back in the RJ this fall.”
The Bonnyville Pontiacs head into the 2023-2024 season with rising stars such as forwards Nico Beaudoin, Max Seguin, Ludovik Tardif, and with arguably one of the most successful junior coach’s to lead them in Mario Pouliot.
Pontiacs fans will have a chance to meet Mario Pouliot and company at the Pontiacs Golf Tournament on August 19th, 2023. Stay tuned for all things Yak related right here at www.bonnyvillepontiacs.ca