In a surprising year-end move, the London Nationals of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) have parted ways with their head coach, former NHL forward Brandon Prust. The organization announced the decision on December 31, 2025.
A Sudden End to a Coaching Tenure
The dismissal marks an abrupt conclusion to Prust's time behind the bench for the junior hockey club. Prust, who enjoyed an 11-season career in the National Hockey League with teams including the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Calgary Flames, had taken on the head coaching role with the Nationals, bringing his professional experience to the development of young players in the Ontario Hockey Association-sanctioned league.
Details and Context of the Move
While the immediate statement from the London Nationals confirmed the termination of Prust's position, specific reasons for the decision were not publicly disclosed in the initial announcement made on New Year's Eve. The timing of the release, coming on a major holiday, underscores the definitive nature of the organizational shift. The Nationals are a longstanding franchise in the GOJHL, a prominent stepping stone for players aspiring to major junior and collegiate hockey opportunities.
Prust's playing career was defined by his role as a physical, energy-forward who was also capable of contributing offensively, as evidenced by his celebrated goal for the Canadiens against Colorado in March 2014. His transition to coaching was watched with interest by many in the hockey community, given his reputation for grit and leadership on the ice.
What Comes Next for the Nationals?
The firing immediately opens a key leadership vacancy within the London Nationals' hockey operations. The organization will now begin a search for a new head coach to guide the team for the remainder of the season and beyond. For Prust, the future is uncertain, but his profile and experience within professional hockey will likely lead to other opportunities in the sport, whether in coaching, player development, or media.
This coaching change adds to the dynamic landscape of Canadian junior hockey, where leadership and development are constantly under scrutiny. Fans and observers of the GOJHL will be watching closely to see who steps in to fill the void left by the former NHL veteran.
