NEWS: Brent Sullivan moves on for role as owner with Carleton Place Canadians

On Tuesday, the Carleton Place Canadians named University of Ottawa Gee-Gees associate coach Brent Sullivan as their new owner.

Sullivan has been a key figure in the reestablishment and growth of the Gee-Gees men's hockey program over the past five years. A native of Carp, Ont., Sullivan joined the coaching staff prior to the team's return in 2016, later becoming the team's full-time associate coach. With a primary focus on defence and special teams, Sullivan oversaw substantial development with both units during his time with the team.

Throughout this time, the Gee-Gees ascended to become a nationally-ranked program and championship contender. Four seasons of growth culminated in an OUA silver medal finish in 2019-20 and berth at the U SPORTS University Cup Championship last March.

"I am extremely grateful for the amazing five years and the program that Pat [head coach Patrick Grandmaître] and I built," said Sullivan. "It was a lot of fun to be a part of something from the ground up. It really kickstarted the opportunity to be a full-time coach, which was a goal and a dream of mine."

"It has allowed me to take on an opportunity like this, without the development and the maturing I've done with the University of Ottawa, I would not have been ready for this new challenge."

Gee-Gees head coach Patrick Grandmaître notes Sullivan's contributions to the program and the lasting impact of his role with the team.

"I cannot say enough about the work that Sully has done with our program. Quite simply put, we would not have become a national contender without him," he said. "This is a bittersweet moment for us, as we are extremely happy for him and this amazing opportunity, but also sad that this journey has come to an end."

"We ask all of our players and staff to 'Leave the Jersey in a Better Place'. Sully came in year one as a young volunteer assistant coach and is now leaving having left a great legacy."

The Carleton Place Canadians are a Junior A franchise in the Central Canadian Hockey League (CCHL). The Canadians have found outstanding success in the 2010s, where they have won the CCHL Championship four times from 2014 to 2017, finished second twice in 2018 and 2019. They have won the Eastern Canadian Championship three times from 2014 to 2016, and finished second nationally in 2014 and 2015.

Sullivan will remain with the Gee-Gees throughout April and commence his role with Carleton Place in May.