Brandon Kozun turns to coaching to help the next generation

Brandon Kozun, now an assistant coach with the Calgary Canucks, isn't surprised this is the path he's taken after his playing days.

Brandon Kozun was a scoring machine for the Calgary Hitmen back in the day.

In 217 games with the Hitmen, the diminutive forward put up 92 goals and added 170 assists.

Kozun went on to play 20 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs before heading overseas to play in the KHL.

Kozun, who was born in Los Angeles but grew up in Calgary, is back home and has traded in his stick for a whistle.

Kozun is an assistant coach with the Calgary Canucks and isn’t surprised this is the path he’s taken after his playing days were over.

“I think it was something I always had an interest in when I was playing,” said the 35-year-old.

“I always knew that maybe I would have an interest in it. I think there’s a lot that I’ve learned through my times playing, and I just want to give that knowledge back to the younger generation.”

A great addition

Canucks head coach Mat Robinson says Kozun has really helped the players offensively.

“Everything from practice to going over video,” said Robinson.

“He does video with guys one-on-one a lot and just figuring out those small details … that can really help you offensively.”

Kozun has been a big help to Nicholas Anisimovicz of Calgary.

The 19-year-old had previously played some games in the AJHL with Canmore and Bonnyville but never really found the scoring touch.

That changed when he came to the Canucks.

In 27 games with Calgary, Anisimovicz has 14 goals and 9 assists in 27 games, and he credits Kozun for helping him find his offensive game.

“For me, it’s all the extra stuff after practice and showing me what to do,” said Anisimovicz.

“How to improve the little parts of my game and what I can do better.”

Wants coaching career

Coaching is now in Kozun’s blood, and he says he’s going to take it as far as he can.

“I think anytime I do something, I try and dive headfirst into it,” he said.

“I have goals for myself to try and get to the highest level I can, and I think that’s where I’m kind of at.”

The Canucks play just one game this weekend.

They’re at home to the Drumheller Dragons on Saturday night.

Puck drop for that game is 5 p.m. at the Ken Bracko Arena.