Barry Wolff is the new head coach and assistant general manager of the Nelson Leafs, the organization announced on May 1.
In their social media announcement of the hiring, the Leafs highlighted Wolff’s 30 years of junior experience, which includes two British Columbia Hockey League championships. Wolff has also been an assistant coach for Team Canada West twice and was a head coach once and won a gold medal in 2015-16.
“I’ve been connected with Wolffy for more than 30 years, so I have a lot of comfort with him,” said Leafs general manager/director of hockey operations Dale Hladun, who has been long-time friends with Wolff. “I know exactly the type of guy I have. I think it will work out fantastic.”
The Leafs like that Wolff brings leadership, passion, and a deep network across North America. Wolff has coached in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League, spending a season with the Fernie Ghostriders in 2012-13. That year Wolff guided the Ghostriders to first place in the Eddie Mountain division with a record of 35-13-2-0-2 in 52 games. He also previously coached the Ghostriders when they were part of the America West Hockey League – winning a bronze medal at the USA Hockey Nationals Gold Cup in 2002 – and the North American Hockey League.
“I would like to thank the Nelson Leafs, Dale Hladun, and the board of directors for the opportunity to be part of the Leafs. It’s exciting to be part of building a new Junior A level team,” said Wolff, a Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame inductee. “The KIJHL has always been a great league giving players important development years. You always see players taking the next step from the KIJHL.”
Wolff is excited to be the Leafs’ next head coach because he said Nelson has always been a flagship franchise in junior hockey.
“Nelson itself has a strong hockey history,” he said. “These types of towns have passionate fans that care about the game, the team and players and are always fun to be part of.”
A notable KIJHL alum that Wolff coached and helped reach a higher level is Clay Stevenson, from his time with the Coquitlam Express. Stevenson recently played in his first NHL game for the Washington Capitals.
Along with coaching several years in the BCHL, Wolff’s coaching resume includes stints in the America West Hockey League (2001-03), the AJHL and the last six years in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Wolff is excited to have the season begin and work with Hladun and Gianni Mangone, who served as head coach for the Leafs, on the bench with him as an assistant coach.
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