BONNYVILLE – The Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs of the Alberta Junior Hockey League have announced that Chad Mercier has been hired as their next head coach.
Announcing Mercier’s return, the Pontiacs organization states that Mercier is one of the best head coaches in franchise history, with his previous seven seasons as the coach and general manager of the Pontiacs. Mercier was formerly in the role from 2006to 2013.
“During his tenure, he collected a record of 221-156-41 with six ties. He said if he ever returned behind the bench in junior hockey, there was only one place he’d coach – right at home in Bonnyville,” reads information from the Pontiacs.
Mercier was born and raised in Bonnyville and is the owner of a local business.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to return and try to look after some unfinished business . . . Obviously, things have changed since I’ve last been there. But that’s the exciting part is the growth, and I’m looking forward to being a part of it,” said Mercier.
His early career in hockey began with five seasons as a goaltender for the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League, leading to his role as assistant coach from 1998-99. Later, Mercier became the associate coach for the Regina Pats and Saskatoon Blades for nine seasons.
“In recent years, he helped guide the Lakeland Panthers U15AA team to a provincial gold medal in 2023-24, and the Lakeland Panthers U16AA team to a fourth place finish just a couple weeks ago . . . He consulted as a goalie coach with the Pontiacs organization in 2023-24,” according to the Pontiacs.
Mercier will be replacing former head coach Ayrton Nikkel.
“The Bonnyville Pontiacs organization has very high expectations of the team’s performance both on and off the ice. The management team and the board were disappointed with how this season played out,” said Associate General Manager Neil Langridge.
The Pontiacs missed the playoffs in the 2024-25 season.
“When the opportunity arose to bring back a coach of Chad Mercier’s quality and reputation, we felt it was a decision that needed to be made in the best interest of the team. We thank Coach Nikkel for his efforts this past season and wish him the best going forward,” said Langridge.
