Passmore Joins Coaching Ranks

Thirty-one might be young for many careers but in the rough and tumble world of Professional Hockey, this number is one which tells most players they are reaching the end of the line.  And for Brian Passmore 31 years old meant just that, his 7-year Pro career had come to an end.  But "Passy" still had a whole bunch more in the tank, a lot more to give to the game that treated him so well and after several conversations and a luncheon meeting with the club's brass, he has come to terms with the Organization and will join Head Coach/GM Rob Armstrong and Assistant Coach Ben King on the Panthers coaching staff for the coming 2012/13 season.

"What a great find "Passy" was for us", explained Pete Zubersky who watches over the hockey operations end of things for the team.  "We were deep in the playoffs when we first had a conversation and we agreed to speak more once the playoffs had ended and I had a chance to speak to Rob Armstrong about the upcoming season.  John Wilson and I then met with Brian and over a sandwich we sealed the deal clearing the way for him to join our staff.  You always see where teams say they are excited to have this guy or that guy coming on board -,a lot of times it is lip service.  When I say it about Brian, it comes from the heart.  We are very lucky, excited and extremely pleased to add this quality hockey person but more importantly, this quality individual.  He has already clicked well with Rob and Ben and the players will absolutely love him, that I have no doubt."

Passmore grew up in Mississauga, Ontario playing all of his minor hockey in the Greater Toronto Hockey League and was part of a hugely successful program which captured seven consecutive City and two Provincial Championships.  He played Major Junior with the Plymouth Whalers, Oshawa Generals and finally the Guelph Storm and attended the 1999 Edmonton Oilers training camp.  The following summer he was selected in the 7th round of NHL entry draft by the Minnesota Wild, clearly one of his hockey highlights.  He failed to crack their lineup and, wanting to focus on education, he decided to attend the Universtiy of P.E.I. where he continued playing in the CIS.  He finished in the top-20 in scoring in Canada in his final two years in that program.

Passmore turned pro in 2003 and spent the next five years playing in the ECHL before playing his final two years in Europe.  In 2006 he was selected to the ECHL All-Star squad while playing forward with the Augusta Lynx. 

After his playing days were over, Brian moved to Victoria in 2009 with his Fiance Alicia and has been teaching at hockey camps and clinics since his arrival.  He coached in the Saanich Minor Hockey Association last season.

"I am very proud in becoming a part of the Peninsula Panthers coaching staff," explained Passmore.  "Hockey is an absolute passion of mine and after my professional playing career, I knew that I wanted to become a coach, scout or be involved in any capacity in hockey.  It is very exciting to coach with a Junior club that has a great history of winning and developing players to move to the next level and beyond.  I look to give the players direction, tips, feedback and things I learned throughout my career and I can't wait to get started."

Passmore will be behind the bench when the Panthers open their 2012/13 VIJHL season at home on September 7th when they play host to the visiting Westshore Wolves.  The puck drops at 7:30 pm at the Panorama Recreation Centre.