Sedevie takes head coaching reins in Bismarck

The Robertson Cup champion Bismarck Bobcats have announced that Layne Sedevie has been named the team’s new head coach.

He replaces Byron Pool, who has accepted an associate head coaching position with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Sedevie, a former Bismarck High standout goaltender, came to the Bobcats before the 2009-10 campaign as an assistant coach.  He led the defense and goaltending - a unit that allowed a league-best 1.73 goals per game during the 2010 Robertson Cup Playoffs, including a 3-0 shutout of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in last week’s Robertson Cup championship game.
 
“Needless to say, it’s really exciting for me to be named the new head coach of the Bobcats,” said Sedevie. “Growing up and playing in Bismarck, I never thought it could be me behind the bench, but now it feels like a dream come true.”
 
Sedevie filled in for Pool for 10 games during the regular season, compiling a record of 8-2-0 in the role of head coach in 2009-10.
 
“I’m very confident the team will not skip a beat with Layne behind the bench,” said Pool. “Even in his first year, he exhibited a lot of coaching talent and both (Bobcats owner) Thom (Brigl) and I have no doubt the team is in good hands.”

In two full seasons with the ‘Cats, Pool led his team to a combined regular-season record of 82-24-10 and a 16-8 mark in the playoffs, including two Central Division titles and the 2010 Robertson Cup championship. He was also named the 2009 NAHL Coach of the Year.
 
“I’m extremely grateful to Thom Brigl and Bobcat Hockey for the opportunity to lead so many fine young men behind the bench in Bismarck,” said Pool. “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of such a fine organization for three years, with each season being better than the one before.”