by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report
BRAMPTON, ON. — Brampton Beast head coach Colin Chaulk has begun his third season with the club after two years as an assistant coach with the Kalamazoo Wings of the ECHL. Last year, Chaulk led the Beast to their most successful season in their short franchise history, leading them into the second round of the Kelly Cup playoffs.
Chaulk was a proven goal scorer in the OHL, playing four seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs. In his final season in junior hockey, Chaulk recorded 34 goals and 62 assists for 96 points in just 60 games.
With an impressive 268 points in the OHL under his belt, scoring at a 1.15 point per game clip, Chaulk’s professional hockey career was launched. It was a career that spanned 15 seasons and saw him suit up for seven different leagues and 12 different teams.
Chaulk found a long-term home with the Fort Wayne Komets in 2002. Despite the Komets being affiliated with the UHL, IHL, CHL and ECHL during that time, Chaulk was a constant for 10 seasons with the Komets, interrupted only by two brief stints in Italy. For two seasons from 2007 to 2009, Chaulk served as a player-assistant coach that fueled his desire to pursue a career behind the bench.
While with the Komets, Chaulk led his team to to five league championships. Colin has been a leader on every team he has played for, serving as captain for 14 years of his 15 year pro career. At each stop, he was a goal scorer and point producer.
Chaulk is a legend in Fort Wayne. Last season, the Komets retired his number 91, which is a true testament to his perseverance and dedication to the game of hockey.
Having proven his worth at the minor pro level for his entire career, Chaulk established a solid work ethic and knack for being able to recognize and help develop the best attributes of his players. This season, in addition to being Head Coach & Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Chaulk has added the title of Head Scout to his portfolio, a role that recognizes his ability to evaluate hockey talent.
It is a major challenge for coaches at this level to accommodate the endless numbers of roster moves. It can be overwhelming at times. This season the task has been made more difficult with the Beast having a split affiliation with the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators.
However, Chaulk has been up to the challenge. If he remains with the Beast for another season, he will become the winningest coach in franchise history.
The ECHL is not only a development league for players but it also is a great platform for coaches and officials to make strides towards the NHL. Colin Chaulk’s proven ability to get the most out of his players, regardless of their talent level, makes me believe he will soon move up the professional coaching ranks. Who knows where his talent may take him?