Don Babineau, a seasoned junior hockey coach, is embarking on a new journey for the 2023-24 season. He will take the reins as the head coach of the Yellowstone Quake in the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). Babineau’s appointment comes after Ryan Theros was recently named the head coach of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
Babineau, hailing from New Hope, Minnesota, and Theros are familiar faces, having crossed paths back in the 2001-02 season. At the time, Babineau was a rookie coach for the Northwest Wisconsin Knights in the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MNJHL), while Theros was wrapping up his final year with the Iron Range Yellowjackets, who clinched the league title.
Babineau’s outstanding coaching performance earned him the MNJHL Coach of the Year accolade that season.
Acknowledging the shoes he has to fill with Theros moving on to the NAHL, Babineau expressed his confidence in his counterpart’s abilities, stating, “I’ve known Ryan for many years, and there’s no doubt he will achieve great things in Fairbanks.”
Over the past twenty years, Babineau has led various Tier III teams, including the St. Paul Lakers, Hudson Crusaders, and Maple Grove Energy in the MNJHL. The Yellowstone Quake will mark his fourth stint in the NA3HL. He previously ventured south in 2015 to coach the Euless Jr. Stars for two seasons before returning to his hometown in 2019 to guide the Coulee Region Chill during their final season before relocation. Subsequently, Babineau took charge of the Oregon Tradesmen during their inaugural season in 2020-21.
Thrilled to become part of the Quake organization, Babineau commended the solid foundation in place and expressed his gratitude to the Yellowstone Quake for the opportunity. He firmly believes that the organization has the potential to achieve remarkable success, stating, “No doubt there are big things to come.”
With the tender period and NA3HL Draft behind him, Babineau will spend the summer months focused on recruiting to complete the Quake roster. He eagerly anticipates the challenge of building a championship-contending team and looks forward to the exciting journey ahead. Familiar with many coaches in the division, Babineau is optimistic and expects a thrilling ride, given the positive feedback he has heard about the league.
