Keith Cassidy will have a familiar face beside him on the bench when he coaches his first Estevan Bruins game this fall.
The Bruins have hired 25-year-old Cole Zahn, who worked with Cassidy in Selkirk, as their new assistant coach.
Zahn played two seasons with the Steelers under Cassidy and later served as his assistant for three years.
Zahn is from Bethune and is the brother of former Saskatoon Blades defenceman Teigan Zahn.
"We know each other pretty well," he said of his relationship with Cassidy. "I hadn't even thought about coaching. He got me into it (in 2006) and I'm really glad he did.
"Me and him always got along really well. He was a defensive coach, I was a defenceman, we've always kind of seen eye-to-eye with things on the ice. We notice things on the ice the same way."
Prior to joining the Steelers, he spent time with the Regina Capitals of the Prairie Junior Hockey League.
"As a coach and as a friend, I've always wanted to find an opportunity where he and I could work together again in a coaching capacity," Cassidy said in a release.
"Cole will be a huge asset to the Bruins organization both on ice with the players, and as an ambassador in the community. Cole is a quality individual, with great character and phenomenal work ethic."
Zahn, who was listed by the Bruins before heading to Selkirk, ran the Steelers' defence and penalty kill and will likely do the same with Estevan.
Since leaving Selkirk, Zahn has served with the Vancouver Giants as a southern Saskatchewan scout, which means he is familiar with many of the Bruins' list players.
"It's given me a little bit of guidance on some of the kids that are down around Estevan. I've watched most of those kids play," he said.
Zahn attended several Bruins' training camps and has good memories of the city.
"From what I remember, it's a great city and they're very passionate about their hockey, which is awesome. I'm looking forward to being in the community full-time."
He expects to make the move to Estevan in mid-August after getting married on July 30.
