Hardy Sauter has been hired as an assistant coach of the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs.
Sauter joins newly promoted associate coach Chad Carder and head coach Chad Mercier behind the bench as the Bonnyville Pontiacs prepare for the franchise’s historic 35th anniversary season.
“I am excited to get started with the process; picking a team, teaching, competing, and ultimately winning with this team,” said Hardy Sauter. “After talking with Chad, it seems like a great fit both from a personality standpoint and from an organizational development standpoint.”
Sauter brings a wealth of experience to the Pontiacs bench following an extensive playing and coaching career. The 55-year-old Maryfield, Saskatchewan native played one season in the SJHL, three seasons in the WHL, two seasons in the CIAU with the University of Regina, one season in Sweden’s Division 1 with IK Vita Hästen, and nine seasons in the CHL with the Oklahoma City Blazers.
“The Pontiacs are getting some hockey knowledge and experience that can help the team win games and help the players improve individually,” said Sauter. “I expect us to play hard, compete hard, and win games.”
The 5’10” former defenceman appeared in 274 games at the Jr. A and major junior levels in Canada, recording 195 points. Sauter’s professional playing career spanned from 1994 to 2005, during which he produced 732 points in 689 games.
“I want the organization and community to be proud of the team and how hard they play,” said Sauter. “I believe every player has more to give and more to learn and it is my responsibility to push and teach to reach those levels of success.”
Sauter’s experience behind the bench further adds to his extensive hockey background. He spent three seasons coaching in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs, including one Memorial Cup championship, before spending two seasons in the ECHL with the Idaho Steelheads as head coach and director of hockey operations.
“We are very fortunate to have added Hardy Sauter to our staff, I think he compliments associate coach Chad Carder and myself well,” said Pontiacs head coach Chad Mercier. “I think he’s going to give us a really good perspective and different look on things with his experience.
“He’s a proven winner at all levels both as a player and a coach. He has experience winning a memorial cup which I think is invaluable to our organization. He’s just fit in seamlessly and I’m excited to get the chance to work with him.”
Sauter stepped behind the bench at the R.J. Lalonde Arena for the first time yesterday as the Pontiacs opened their 2026 Main Camp.
Fans will have the opportunity to meet the entire Pontiacs coaching staff and players this Saturday, August 29, at the Milton Romanchuk Cup Top 40 Game. The event is free to attend.
