Above Graphic: As per Vancouver Canucks Website
Karod’s coaching journey began over two decades ago, a path inspired by his own experience as a young player, along with some encouragement from his minor hockey coach. What started as a way to stay connected to the game soon became a lifelong passion for mentorship.
The Nanaimo native started coaching U12 and it took off from there. A few of his stops include Assistant Coach for the Victoria Cougars from 2009-16 and then Head Coach and General Manager duties from 2016-22. He was part of the coaching staff that won the 2018 Royal Bank Cup with the Chilliwack Chiefs and coached the Swan Valley Stampeders in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
He’s in his fourth season with the Victoria Grizzlies as the Director of Skill Development and Assistant General Manager and has coached players like Nashville Predators first-round pick Matthew Wood.
Karod quickly realized that his coaching style resonated with the players, noting that they respect structure and authority, but he prides himself on being a personable coach that is available for discussions about anything on or off the ice.
He looked up to Robin Bawa as a young hockey player and he wants to be a role model for South Asian athletes in the hockey community. He’s proud to represent his heritage on the bench, knowing that young players see him as a reflection of what’s possible.
“Parents come up to me and say, ‘My kid sees you on the bench, that’s encouraging that there’s a pathway for him in hockey,’” Karod said.
“It’s inspiring when parents tell me their kids look up to me as a coach. I want them to know that there’s a place for them in the game.”
That sense of responsibility to helping the next generation is deepened through Karod’s children, his 18-year-old stepson and his one-year-old son. He sees his coaching not only as a way to guide young players, but also as a means to give back to a sport that has given so much to him.
When he was younger, he was often told he would make a great teacher because of his engaging personality and how he cares for others, but he said it never really interested him. Now, he thinks about that from time to time and it makes him laugh because that’s exactly what he does every day.
“I enjoy stopping a drill and teaching these kids and making them better, helping them get to where their dreams are taking them,” he said.
His work on the bench is a testament to the joy and pride he finds in giving back, something he says he couldn’t do without the support of his wife.
(Article written by Lindsey Horsting per the Vancouver Canucks website)
