Coulee Region Sports Network

MAY 23, 2019

The Coulee Region Chill, proud members of the NA3HL, and owner Michelle Bryant have named Don Babineau as the team’s new Head Coach and General Manager.

Babineau’s hiring comes immediately following the departure of former Head Coach Jon Vaillancourt, who was hired on Wednesday as the new Associate Head Coach for the Minnesota Wilderness of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).  

Babineau is no stranger to the NA3HL or the Bryant family.  He was previously the Head Coach and General Manager for the NA3HL’s Euless Jr. Stars when the Bryant’s owned the team from 2015 through 2017.  

“We are very excited to have Don back coaching in our organization.  He understands our mission to develop players and move them on to the next level.  Don has extensive experience coaching junior hockey, particularly at the Tier III level, and understands what it takes to develop players at this level and help them reach their goals,” stated Chill owner Michelle Bryant. 

A Minnesota native, Babineau brings 19 years of junior coaching experience to the Chill. Babineau began his career at age 21, after playing three years of juniors in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL).   Babineau brings passion for teaching the game with respect and integrity along with drawing out the highest potential in young men on and off the ice. He has a proven track record of excellence, being a part of six National Tournament teams while playing and coaching; moving over 100 players on to the college ranks, including one NHL player and was named coach of the year twice while coaching in the MNJHL.

Babineau is excited to continue his career in Wisconsin where his head coaching career started. "I'm excited to be a part of the Chill program. I believe Coach Vaillancourt and staff have done an exceptional job over the years strengthening the program. I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to coach in such a great location for college and NAHL exposure,” said Babineau. “I look forward to continuing the strong tradition of player development, advancement, and winning as Coulee Region Chill has always done. This is the Chill’s 10th Anniversary in Junior Hockey, it will be an exciting season. The first order of business is reaching out to the returning players, tenders, and draft picks and putting their individual development plans in place.”