A Pirate's Life For Me

Let me just say that it is a privilege to know Brandon Reid and Jessica Scott-Reid because they're amazing people. As you may be aware, Brandon and Jessica have been guests on The Hockey Show on multiple occasions, and we enjoy following Brandon's hockey career and Jessica's writing career on the show! I have to admit that it was exciting in hearing that Brandon accepted an offer to coach in Denmark again as he's really taken to coaching with his previous work there at Vojens and with Sledge Hockey Canada here. We'll be tracking Brandon's progress once more on The Hockey Show this season, so make sure you stay tuned to find out how he and the Aalborg Pirates are doing!

One of the things that you learn as a coach is that you always have to be on your toes and ready for anything. I assume that this interview was planned, but I'm going to go on record here and say that Brandon Reid might be the first head coach anywhere to be interviewed while having his hair cut! Here is Aalborg Pirates' TV speaking with the new head coach while he's being groomed!

I'm not sure about you, but that just seemed weird. I don't mind a little banter with a barber, but a recorded interview while the barber is doing his or her job? That's different. Outside of the environment, I thought Brandon gave a great interview and I am going to make a bold prediction in saying that the Pirates will improve on their 52-point season under Brandon's guidance.

Brandon will have some talent to work with on the Pirates, and there's a distinct Manitoba flavor to the team. For Jets fans, he'll be working with 22 year-old forward Sebastian Ehlers, the older brother of Nikolaj Ehlers. Brandon also recruited 26 year-old defenceman Bryce Reddick, the son of former Winnipeg Jets goalie Eldon "Pokey" Reddick. Joining those two are 22 year-old forward Peter Quenneville, former captain of the Brandon Wheat Kings. Needless to say, the Manitoba connections should give Brandon a strong contingent to lean on this season.

Among those returning to the Metal Liguen team are Julian Jakobsen and Bjarke Møller. Jakobsen, a 29 year-old centerman, played with the DEL's Hamburg Freezers last season where he was used mostly in a defensive role with the squad. He's seen as an excellent skater, so he could be used in a more offensive role with Aalborg.

Møller started his career in Aalborg in 2007-08, and will return once more. The 30 year-old forward is expected to be one of the leaders on a rather young Aalborg squad, but he still has the legs to keep up with the kids and the hands to finish.

In short, both Brandon and Jessica are doing well since arriving in Denmark about a week ago. After some confusion about their beloved pups at the check-in counter at the airport, everyone arrived safely and they are settling into Danish and European life once more. September 23 sees the Pirates in action in their first game of the 2016-17 season, so Brandon's going to be busy for a while yet before the skates even hit the ice!

Jessica, meanwhile, is a fantastic freelance writer who has been publishing stories in a plethora of magazines, newspapers, and internet sites. Her latest piece for Chatelaine is all about rosé gummy bears and she recently wrote an article on Skype cooking classes!

Keep an eye on this space for more updates about the Pirates and the Reids as I try to close the distance between Canada and Denmark. We'll also have updates on The Hockey Show, so tune in and hear about what may be happening in Denmark with the Reids as well!

Until next time, holde dine pinde på isen!