This year's Stanley Cup champion and head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, Jared Bednar, in Humboldt. (Submitted photo/Carol Brons)

By Ben Tompkins

Humboldt local

Jared Bednar talks cup win, bringing it back home

Aug 10, 2022 | 5:22 PM

Jared Bednar is a Stanley Cup champion.

While born in Yorkton, the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche was raised in Humboldt, the place he calls home.

This past weekend he was able to return, Stanley Cup in hand, as he shared the greatest feat in professional hockey with the friends and family he grew up with.

Bednar told northeastNOW it was quite the special moment to reconnect with those who helped him get to where he is today during a private event.

“Just a lot of fun and a really good experience getting back home and reconnecting with people that I hadn’t seen for quite some time, and be able to share the cup with them. For my family and friends that I’ve known for a long time, that was really fun to have a multi-generational party.”

Riderville

Shades of 2007

Nov 15, 2024

Inflation

Rent inflation to slow in the next few years, Desjardins predicts

Nov 14, 2024

Fire in Nipawin area

Fire destroys house in R.M. of Torch River

Nov 14, 2024

After reaching the pinnacle of hockey back in late June, Bednar became the first coach in hockey history to win a championship in the Eastern Collegiate Hockey League (ECHL), the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey League (NHL).

He explained something like this wasn’t something he ever really thought of, as he just tried to do the best job he could in every different opportunity.

“I’m fortunate to have been with some special groups who were able to win a few championships.”

And when his passion for hockey first began, it was never really in his mind as his original goal was to hoist the trophy as a player.

“I started coaching and then the goal became the exact same. I was going to try and play or coach at the highest level that I possibly could and help our team have success,” he said. “Getting the opportunity to coach in the National Hockey League, I think it’s a huge privilege. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

His player career did begin as a hockey player having suited up in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL), Western Hockey League (WHL), the ECHL, the AHL and the International Hockey League (IHL) before retiring.

His most memorable stint, however, began right at home, spending time as a member of the Humboldt Broncos.

He mentioned the support he received as a young kid was something he wanted to give back to the community.

“In life, you’re never going to reach any of your goals on your own, it takes a lot of support. A lot of people, whether it’s your family or friends or the community itself, are very supportive of one another. That’s why it was so important for me to bring the cup back.”

It also worked out that the Humboldt Broncos Memorial Golf Tournament took place right alongside his induction into the SJHL Hall of Fame.

Bednar added it was nice to see how appreciative everyone involved was when spending time together over the weekend.

“I wanted to be able to share that special day with them. Coaches and different guys have always been around, helping me with advice and support. It was a lot of fun to bring it home and have them enjoy it for the day amongst family and friends and communities.”

–

Ben.Tompkins@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8