Chapter 8: Landon Russell Returns

He played 68 regular-season games and four more in the playoffs between 2018 and 2020 for the Dauphin Kings.

Landon Russell then advanced to the next level. He played 46 games across five years with Briercrest College of the Alberta Collegiate Athletic Conference. That included 11 playoff games and a trip to the league final.

Russell scored two goals and had 11 points in regular-season play and one point in the playoffs.

"Yeah, it was a great five years. I ended up walking out with a business degree," said Russell. "I hung up my skates after making that league final."

As the Kings get set to play two tough games this weekend against Steinbach and Niverville, Russell is back in the City of Sunshine, in a new capacity. He is set to join Doug Hedley's staff as an assistant coach. Russell joins Doug, Chad Facey, Dan Keeping, Brad Dupasquier, and trainer Haley Choma.

"It's great to be back. I enjoyed my time playing here," said Russell. "To come back and have a chance to work for such a great organization and under someone like Doug is a great opportunity for me to learn and grow as a person."

Landon does come to the Kings with some coaching experience. He's been leading skills sessions for the past few years. He also spent three years as an assistant coach with the Moose Jaw U18 AA Warriors from 2020 to 2023.

This will be his debut season as a junior coach.

"Obviously, there is a transition from coaching U18 to junior," said Russell. "I think the familiarity of the town, the rink, and Doug still being here will help me. I think the transition will be very smooth."

The 2019-20 season was Landon's final as a junior player. Since leaving Dauphin, he has always wanted to become a coach at this level. Now, that dream has become a reality.

"When I finished junior, I knew this was something I wanted to pursue," continued Russell. "I went and got a business degree first, but I knew this was something I wanted."

Landon joined the team on the ice for the first time on Wednesday afternoon. At 10-2-1 and on top of the MGEU West Division, Russell knew he was coming to a team with big goals this season. Their journey continues on Saturday.

"Yeah, you know what, getting to know the guys early here," ended Russell. "It's a good, hard-working group. You can see the compete level is there. These guys are hitting the ice to win every game."

Landon Russell makes his junior coaching debut with a team he played two seasons for on Saturday night in Steinbach. His debut at Credit Union Place as a coach will be on Sunday, November 9.