Brandon Syms, originally from New Waterford, was named the head coach of the Sydney Mitsubishi Rush of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League on Saturday, the team announced. CONTRIBUTED ContributedArticle contentThe Sydney Mitsubishi Rush will have a new head coach for the 2025-26 Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League season.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Membertou-based team named Brandon Syms as the club’s new bench boss, the team announced in a social media post on Saturday evening.Article contentArticle contentSyms will replace Chris Culligan in the position. Culligan was named the head coach of the Rush in July 2023 after serving as an assistant coach with the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.Article contentArticle contentIn two seasons with the team, Culligan led the Rush to a 19-46-10-0 record. The team finished last in the eight-team standings with a 7-26-4-0 record in 2024-25. The club had a 12-20-6-0 record in 2023-24.Article contentCulligan was at the helm of the Rush when the club hosted the Telus Cup national under-18 hockey championship in April 2024 at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre.Article contentAs for Syms, the 30-year-old brings more than eight years of coaching experience at elite youth and prep school levels.Article contentHis resume includes head coaching positions with the Joneljim Cougars of the Nova Scotia Under-15 Major Hockey League as well as the Cape Breton Jets of the Nova Scotia Under-16 ‘AAA’ Hockey League.Article contentIn 2022-23, the New Waterford product was an assistant coach with Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick. Last year, he served as the under-17 head coach for Bishop’s College School in Sherbrooke, Que.Article contentArticle contentAlong with accepting the Rush position, Syms was also named the head scout for the Pictou County Weeks Crushers of the Maritime Junior Hockey League last month.Article content“Brandon emphasizes building strong habits, structure, and hockey IQ,” said Paul Carroll, president of the Rush, in a press release. “His coaching philosophy is rooted in accountability, communication, and preparation—key pillars for helping athletes reach the next level.”Article contentIn his playing career, Syms began with the New Waterford Minor Hockey Association and also played with the Sydney Minor Hockey Association. He also suited up for the Sydney Academy Wildcats of the Cape Breton High School Hockey League.Article contentIn 2012-13, Syms played one season with the Cape Breton Tradesmen – now known as the Rush – posting 23 goals and 42 points in 35 games.Article contentAfter his season with the Tradesmen, Syms joined the Yarmouth Mariners of the MHL, spending two years with the team before finishing his junior career with the former South Shore Lumberjacks.Article contentHe played one season of college hockey in Alberta with Portage College, posting five goals and 12 points in 13 games.Article contentThe 2025-26 NSU18MHL season is expected to begin in September.Article content
NSU18MHL: Sydney Mitsubishi Rush name Brandon Syms new head coach
