The Kamloops Blazers have had their 20-year-old situation solved for them due to a Brodi Stuart knee injury that will keep him off the ice – but the Langley native isn’t going anywhere.
Stuart will join the Blazers’ coaching staff this season as an assistant coach if the WHL’s BC Division can get governmental approval for a return-to-play for a 24-game shortened season.
Following his third full season with the Blazers, Stuart required surgery this off-season because of his knee injury. He will be put on the injured reserve for this season as he transitions to the coaching staff.
Stuart’s injury means the team will settle on a trio of 20-year-old that include defencemen Montana Onyebuchi and Sean Strange, and forward Orrin Centazzo.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Blazers and wish I could play my final season of junior,” Stuart said. “I’m excited and grateful to have the opportunity to stay on this season in a coaching capacity.”
After scoring 20 goals in the 2018-19 season, Stuart had nine goals last season before joining the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials this past fall on loan from the Blazers.
The WHL’s BC Division is the last to gain return-to-play approval from health authorities. Alberta WHL teams begin play this Friday while teams in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Washington and Oregon open play in March.
Brodi Stuart will remain with us this season on the coaching staff following an injury that will keep him off the ice. Our three 20 year-olds will be @MontanaOny2, @SeanStrange44 & @CentazzoOrrin
READ: 📝 https://t.co/5ESw2pZJpp pic.twitter.com/nwx4g1Z2Xv— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 24, 2021