Former NHL standout Brown to lead Bandits

The St. Louis Bandits have announced that Jeff Brown has been hired as the team’s new head coach.

Brown, a 13-year NHL veteran defenseman, played for six NHL organizations during his career, including the St. Louis Blues, tallying 585 points in 747 games.  Brown was also a two-time Stanley Cup finalist and member of the NHL All-Star Team in 1992-93.

Since his retirement, Brown has dedicated himself to the development of elite youth players in the St. Louis area serving as vice president and director of coaching for the St. Louis AAA Amateur Blues organization.

In addition, Brown has coached in the organization the previous eight years.  Several of Brown’s players are now playing Division I college and junior hockey throughout the country.

“The St. Louis Bandits selected Jeff Brown from a number of excellent candidates that had applied to lead the back-to-back NAHL national champion team,” said Michael J. Brooks, the Bandits’ managing general partner.  “Jeff’s success in the NHL and as a development coach for the players dedicated to achieving the NCAA Division I level uniquely qualified him for the job.”
 
“I’m excited to be given the opportunity to lead the Bandits and am committed to helping the players achieve their goals of playing at the college level” said Brown.  “The Bandits have won two consecutive national championships and lead the NAHL in securing Division I commitments for the players.  My objective is to continue that success and provide the best Junior A hockey experience possible for the committed players.”
 
The Bandits’ vice president of hockey operations Kelly Chase and Brown were teammates on the Blues and the Hartford Whalers.

“The opportunity to have a player and coach as skilled as Jeff leading the Bandits is a tremendous benefit for our organization,” said Chase.  “Jeff and I have worked closely in youth hockey and he will bring that great development ability to the Bandits.”