Fans of the WHL Everett Silvertips have extra reason to be happy Brennan Sonne has joined the Seattle Kraken organization. Sonne, named as an assistant to new AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds coach Derek Laxdal, both played and coached in Everett.
In a moment, we’ll review a whole bunch of Brennan Sonne stories which weren’t in the press release and most news stories. First, a quick recap of what was. Sonne (pronounced SONN-ee) comes to the Firebirds from three successful seasons as coach of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. Prior to that, he played parts of three seasons for the Silvertips (2005-07), and returned to Everett as assistant coach in charge of forwards (2014-17). He was well-traveled in the 2007-08 season, starting with the ‘Tips, moving on to Red Deer, and traded a second time to Edmonton.
Now, the stuff that gives insight into the coach and former player the Firebirds are getting behind their bench.
Silvertips Fan Favorite
In a 2006 WHL home game for Everett against Calgary – and his brother Brett – Sonne scored the game-winning shootout goal. Brennan and Brett’s parents had made the 104-mile drive down from Maple Ridge, BC to see their sons compete. “I’ve got to pinch myself,” Sonne told the Everett Herald. “I can’t believe that just happened.”
Maybe the disbelief was because offensive wizardry – his shootout goal included a leg kick to fake out the goalie – wasn’t Sonne’s calling card. As a player, Sonne said of himself, “If I’m not physical, I’m nothing.”
Media and coaches throughout the WHL agreed.
- “Sonne was a fan favorite in Everett, where his oppressive forecheck and physical play helped create scoring chances.” (Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows News)
- “In your face, grinding, physical presence.” (Red Deer Advocate)
- Edmonton Oil Kings assistant coach Rocky Thompson: “He has so much courage and character. He goes out there and he cares. There’s a lot of emotion there.” (Edmonton Journal)
- University of British Columbia Thunderbirds coach Milan Dragicevic: “He’s hard-nosed, gritty , and plays with a lot of tenacity.” (Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows News)
Coaching On Three Continents
Speaking of being well traveled, Sonne has coached in Asia, Europe, and North America.
- His first hockey coaching job was in Hong Kong. Later, he spent four seasons coaching in France’s top hockey league.
- Once invoked the Conn Smythe Trophy (awarded to the NHL Playoffs MVP) in an on-ice motivational speech. “The ultimate honor for a player is being designated a playoff guy. Steve Yzerman jumps to mind. He’s a playoff guy. Mark Messier, playoff guy.” (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix)
- Returned to Everett as assistant coach; held a two-week June hockey clinic for under-12 players. Its name: “Brennan Sonne Sniper School.” (Everett Daily Herald)
- With Saskatoon, compiled an impressive 136-54-14 record, including two Eastern Conference Final appearances.