NIPAWIN — The interim tag has been removed from Nipawin Hawks head coach and general manager Tad Kozun’s job title. Last week the team announced he had signed a two-year contract.
“I want to thank Scott [Anderson, team president] and the Hawks organization for this opportunity,” said Kozun, a Nipawin product who played for the team in 2011-14 before playing NCAA hockey at the University of Anchorage – Alaska and embarking on a pro career of more than three seasons. “I am excited and honoured to be the next head coach and GM of this organization. I can’t wait to continue the Hawks tradition here in Nipawin.”
Kozun joined the team as an assistant coach for this season. After the Hawks parted ways with Doug Johnson after 11 and a half seasons, Kozun stepped into the interim role on Dec. 4. The team was 7-23-0-1 under Kozun after a 10-12-0-5 start with Johnson leading the way. In an interview following the season, Kozun praised his team’s resiliency. The squad finished with only three 2001-born players on its roster. Kozun said the experience the young players gained this past winter will help them and the team in the future.
