Head coach Ben Hagerman, coaching staff to return to Raiders bench for 2023-2024

GREATER NAPANEE – The Napanee Raiders Junior Hockey Club is pleased to announce head coach Ben Hagerman, assistant coaches Chris Brown and Evan Brown, and video coach/assistant manager Scott Sharp will return for the 2023-2024 Provincial Junior Hockey League season.

“Speaking with our executive, we are very excited to see Ben and his staff continuing on our bench,” said general manager Adam Bramburger. “They’re passionate leaders who foster a team environment players want to be a part of, and their dedication to teaching and preparation is evident. We know they’ll put a great product on the ice.”

All three bench coaches are Raiders alumni who live in the Napanee area. Sharp also played in the league, with Campbellford.

Hagerman, Chris Brown and Sharp are entering their fifth year on staff and Evan Brown, his second.

“It is an honour for my staff and I to return to the Napanee Raiders. The disappointment of last season’s playoff exit has not been taken lightly and we will strive to improve our program on and off the ice with lessons learned along the way,” said Hagerman. “It will be an active off-season with holes to fill left by our overage players both on and off the ice.

“I would like to thank the community and the fan base for all of their support last season and moving forward. Without you this program could not survive.”

The Raiders are expecting another strong campaign with 18 players eligible to return from a roster that led the PJHL Tod Division in the regular season. In exit interviews, many expressed a desire to stay and compete in 2023-2024.

With the coaching staff returned, the Raiders will turn their attention to recruiting players to build another contender in the upcoming season. As Hagerman referenced, graduating players Bailey Maracle, Payton Gauthier, Noah Westwater and Soren Zamuner were key contributors for multiple years and they will be missed.

Interested players can inquire with Hagerman at 613-922-8763, Bramburger at 613-876-1734 or email napaneeraiders@gmail.com.

Announcements regarding the training, equipment and support staff will be made at a later date.